A flash storage device includes flash storage units that are erased in response to a condition or command while allowing the flash storage device to be used subsequent to the erase. A flash controller interface receives a command for erasing the flash storage device and provides an erase 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 an erase 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 and the erase operations overlap. Subsequent to the erase, certain control data is reconstructed to allow subsequent use of the flash storage device.