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Mayor Joe Riley reacted Friday to the federal report on the Sofa Super Store fire released Thursday.

Mayor Riley addressed the specifics of the report. The 54 page National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health report describes a horrible scene on the night of June 18,2007, where the firefighters struggled to put out his massive blaze but were not equipped to handle the tragedy.

“There are a number of points identified that can improve future operations. We are committed to making changes and have been actively implementing these changes,” said Mayor Riley who addressed the media. 

The report lists numerous inadequacies and errors made while fighting this fire that made it impossible for the outcome to have been any different. The report lists inadequate water supply. Inadequate oxygen supplies for firemen and uniforms that melted. Riley says the fire department bears complete responsibility for the fire. 

“I think what this report does is confirm what we have done and what we’re in the process of doing as well as a valuable document of lessons learned,” Riley added. 

The report sites an incident command system failure and Chief Thomas initial refusal of help from neighboring departments. Still Riley says he supports his chief. 

“I support Chief Thomas and do not plan to make any changes in top management of the fire department. Thomas is a great fire chief, dedicated. He’s experienced,” said Riley.

This report is a draft. The final copy is expected this summer.  It will contain more improvements that the City of Charleston fire department needs to make.

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