NIST releasing Sofa Super Store fire study

The U.S. Commerce Department’s Natural Institute of Standards and Technology, or NIST, is releasing the long awaited study on the tragic 2007 Charleston fire at the Sofa Super Store. With more than 30 years experience, NIST is releasing its findings on the tragic fire in Charleston that killed nine firefighters. As officials will take comment from the public, the study is expected to detail the findings and recommendations from the fire. NIST looks at the causes, dynamics and impacts of deadly fires such as the Sofa Super Store blaze.

Thursday’s press briefing will make all information from the three year study available to the public, NIST engineers and researchers who are working to improve building structures and safety. Lawyers for the families of the nine fallen firefighters say the findings will give them the documents they need to continue their lawsuits filed against the City of Charleston and store owners. The briefing is set for noon Thursday in Charleston.

SCRN’s Michael Brown will be at the briefing to give the latest.