Charleston, S.C., Fire Chief Announces He'll Resign a Year After Blaze Killed 9 of His Crew

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Longtime Charleston Fire Chief Rusty Thomas has announced he'll resign, a decision coming nearly a year after a furniture store blaze killed nine of his men.

In a letter to the mayor, Thomas says he's retiring at the end of June to help the city continue to heal.

Thomas was criticized after last year's Sofa Super Store fire and his department has been taken to task for outdated equipment and procedures.

A city-commissioned report on the fire is due to be released Thursday.

Thomas has served as chief since 1992.