Today we drape a black cloth around our badges, for nine of the bravest have fallen.

“An inferno raced through a Charleston, South Carolina, furniture warehouse collapsing its roof and killing nine firefighters in a tragedy that the city’s mayor described Tuesday as “difficult to fathom.”

“They lost their lives fighting for the safety of our citizens,” Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. said.

Two employees were able to get out safely, but the fire, which began Monday night, quickly spread through the Sofa Super Store, causing part of the building to collapse. (Map)

Firefighters had to break an opening in the back of the store to allow one of the workers out of the burning building, Riley said. (Gallery)

“Nine brave, heroic, courageous firefighters of the city of Charleston have perished fighting a fire, and in a most courageous and fearless manner, carrying out their duties,” Riley said. “This is a tragic event for our community, the magnitude of which is difficult to fathom or quantify.” (Watch a witness describe firefighters escaping through windows )

State and federal officials are investigating the cause of the fire, but Riley said there is no initial indication of foul play or arson.

Firefighters and other rescue workers formed a double line and saluted as their comrades’ bodies were carried from the charred remains of the building.

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

The deaths are the worst loss of American firefighters in the line of duty since the September 11, 2001, attacks, according to statistics compiled by firehouse.com.”

Being intimately connected with the fire service, I know that ever fire you respond to may be your last. It’s not Hollywood folks, it’s real life and death.

You’re trained to “Put the wet stuff on the hot stuff“, but it’s not always as simple as that. The unforeseen can take place at anytime. A bottle of oxygen in a home, or even a unspent cylinder of propane used for a barbaque can make it a really bad day.

My heart and prayers go out to my comrades and their families.

“When I am called to duty, God
Whenever flames may rage,
Give me the strength to save some life
Whatever be its age,
Help me embrace a little child
Before it is too late
Or save an older person from
The horror of that fate
Enable me to be alert and
Hear the weakest shout
And quickly and efficiently
To put the fire out
I want to fill my calling and
To give the best in me,
To guard my every neighbor and
Protect his property
And if according to my fate
I am to lose my life,
Please bless with your
protecting hand
My children and my wife.”

-Anon