The report says water supply was a critical factor in the events leading to the deaths of nine Charleston firefighters.
The report says, "adequate water supply for the size of the structure... and fuel loads inside..was never established..."
The document also points out a number of equipment problems.
Not all firefighters carried their assigned radios; emergency buttons on radios could have helped identify the firefighters.
One radio was broken and would not turn on.
Power saws didn't work and firefighters had to hack their way through metal with axes.
A serious problems with water pressure hampered the efforts.
There was trouble starting at least one pump because it was notoriously "touchy."
The report also states there was difficulty finding hydrants.
The federal investigators say the hoses that firefighters use were too small and traffic on Savannah Highway drove over a supply line, cutting off water flow.
A neighboring fire department offered assistance with a thermal imaging camera and large hoses, but they told they weren't needed.
The department then asked if they could cover the rear of the building and the chief agreed.