Nine Lost in SC

Nine brothers of the Fire Service answered their final alarm last night in Charleston, SC when a building collapsed on them while they were searching for victims thought to still be trapped in the burning building:

"Nine brave, heroic, courageous firefighters of the city of Charleston have perished fighting fire in a most courageous and fearless manner, carrying out their duties,"

Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley said at a morning news conference. "To all of their loved ones, our heart goes out to them."

Two employees in the building were rescued from the blaze, which broke out at about 7 p.m. Monday in the Sofa Super Store and warehouse, Riley said.

Overnight, firefighters saluted as the bodies of their colleagues were taken from the
warehouse.

"To lose nine is just a tragedy of immense proportions," Riley said. "To lose nine is just unbelievable."

Please join us in mourning the loss of our brothers from SC. (Video)