A flash storage device includes flash storage units that are purged in response to a condition or command wherein, during or subsequent to the purge, the purge is verified. A flash controller interface receives a command for purging the flash storage device and provides a purge command to flash controllers in the flash storage device. Alternatively, the flash storage device detects a condition in response to which the flash controller interface provides a purge command to the flash controllers. Each flash controller independently erases a flash storage unit in response to receiving the purge command such that the flash storage units are erased substantially in parallel with each other. The purge of the flash storage device is subsequently verified.