Charleston Update: New Raw Video Taken During Fires Early Moments

This video appears to be, so far, the earliest pictures we’ve seen of Monday night’s fire in Charleston. It is from a Charleston videographer named Howard Armstrong.

The first shots show a firefighter, without gear, using an axe on what appears to be a roll-up door at a loading dock. An engine crew, in gear, has a hose line and trains it on the door. A PASS alarm can be heard.

The next shot is from side A. At this point, you can hear the air horns sounding. Fire is rolling out the front windows of the building. You also hear glass breaking. At least two firefighters help a third firefighter off the ground and away from side A. Seconds later, you can see the collapse of either the burning ceiling inside a display window or the underside of the overhang above the windows. It is hard to tell.

The photographer then shows firefighters being treated by EMS. In one of the next shots you can see the large collapse area to the right of what appears to be the main entrance.

I am told to expect a press conference Wednesday morning from the coroner with some details of the autopsies. The memorial service is scheduled for Friday.

On Tuesday, 9News Now reporter Jennifer Ryan spent time with Fairfax County Fire & Rescue crews as they participated in the 2007 Safety Stand Down. The firefighters talked about the tragedy in Charleston and a recent “near miss” in Franconia during a townhouse fire.

Jennifer also talked with Cathy Hedrick of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Cathy lost her firefighter son, Kenny, during a fire in Prince George’s County 15 years ago. Cathy had been here in Ocean City for the MSFA Convention and rushed back to town to help coordinate efforts to support the Charleston firefighters.

NFFF Executive Director Ron Siarnicki and Chairman of the Board Hal Bruno have dispatched John Proels to Charleston. Siarnicki told me Tuesday night that Proels will be joined by others, including a contingent from New York.

Tuesday evening, Nancy Yamada talked with Hal Bruno and spent time with firefighters from D.C. Engine 20 and Truck 12. She was at the firehouse during the 7:00 p.m. moment of silence.

At the same time, I was emceeing the installation of officers at the MSFA Convention. We stopped the ceremony at 7:00 p.m. to honor those lost in Charleston.

Here are some of the other links we have been providing since Monday evening:

The latest from Charleston.

Raw video from press conference with Mayor Riley, Fire Chief Thomas and Coroner Wooten.

Noon coverage from WCSC-TV.

IAFC President calls for 7:00 p.m. moment of silence.

Information from IAFF.

Fire video showing secondary collapse.

7 a.m. press conference with Mayor Joe Riley.

Photo Gallery.

The fire comes just hours after our interview with Chief Greg Cade who is poised to take over the U.S. Fire Administration. In Ocean City, MD where he spoke at the Maryland State Firemen’s Association Convention, Cade told STATter 911 that his priority is firefighter safety. Cade plans to continue the efforts to reduce firefighter fatalities by 50 per cent. More here.