CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - It was once described as a ``boys club''
of rabble-rousers, but the Charleston firefighters union has grown
in size and clout since last year's deadly Sofa Super Store blaze.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reported Sunday that the
change has forced city and fire department officials to acknowledge
its members' concerns.

The group's leaders struggled to recruit members, and its calls
for more safety-oriented tactics were met with resistance from a
fire department rooted in hard-charging, aggressive traditions.

But the June 18, 2007, fire that killed nine city firefighters
drew fresh scrutiny to those methods.

City and fire department officials now pledge cooperation with
the organization and have promised that the city's new fire chief
will share that commitment.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)