Governor orders state flags to be lowered on buildings today

Gov. Mark Sanford has asked that state flags be lowered on all state buildings today in remembrance of the sacrifice made by these firefighters.

Sanford today issued the following statement on last night's fire in Charleston that claimed the lives of nine firefighters:

"What happened in Charleston last night is an all too tragic reminder of the danger faced by firefighters and other men and women in uniform as they put themselves in harm's way each and every day to keep the rest of us safe," Gov. Sanford said. "These are truly some of South Carolina's bravest, who in this case made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. I'd ask each and every South Carolinian to join me, Jenny and the boys in keeping these nine families in our thoughts and prayers in the difficult weeks and months ahead."