Methods, systems and computer-readable storage media for programming, by a storage controller, particular data stored in an allocated buffer to a particular one of a plurality of non-volatile memories (NVMs). Redundancy information may be updated sufficient to recover from failures of the plurality of NVMs. The allocated buffer may be freed prior to and independent of the particular NVM completing the programming. The particular data may continue to be programmed independent of freeing the allocated buffer. The continuing of the programming of the particular data may include determining whether there are any failures of the programming the particular data.