Durham Firefighter Andrew Brokes Dies in Marly Drive Fire: What We Know

Durham Firefighter Andrew Brokes Killed in Marly Drive Building Collapse, Two Injured

Updated: October 9, 2026

A Durham, North Carolina firefighter died in the line of duty early Thursday, October 8, when part of a burning building on Marly Drive collapsed while crews were working on the roof and inside. The city identified him as Andrew Brokes, 24, a member of Tower Company 5 at Fire Station 13, who had joined the Durham Fire Department in May 2025. Two other firefighters were injured and taken to Duke University Hospital. The cause of the fire and the circumstances of the collapse are under investigation.

What Happened on Marly Drive

According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, crews were dispatched to a multi-story building in the 400 block of Marly Drive, near South Miami Boulevard and U.S. 70 in southeast Durham, at about 3:15 a.m. Firefighters arrived at 3:21 a.m. to find flames showing through the roof and other parts of the structure. Around 3:31 a.m., a section of the building collapsed, bringing the second floor down with it.

Some firefighters were working on the roof when the collapse happened, and others were inside on the first floor
Several of the crew members on the first floor were trapped, including the firefighter who died
Durham Fire Chief Robert Zoldos said additional help was requested after the firefighters became trapped
By mid-morning, aerial footage showed most of the roof gone and extensive damage to the building

Fire apparatus and emergency lights at night outside a large commercial building fire

Crews from Durham and neighboring agencies worked the Marly Drive fire through the early morning hours of October 8.

The Firefighter

The City of Durham said Brokes was fatally injured while searching for victims inside the building, and described him as a public servant who served the city with "honor, courage, and integrity." Chief Zoldos called the death a heartbreaking loss for the department, Brokes' family, and the wider community. Mayor Leonardo Williams confirmed the loss in a separate statement. Deputy Chief Chris Iannuzzi asked the public to keep the families of the fallen and injured firefighters in their thoughts.

The two injured firefighters were treated at Duke University Hospital. Early reports said both were expected to recover, though their names and conditions had not been publicly detailed in the coverage reviewed for this article.

Tribute Along the Highway

Within hours, fire apparatus from surrounding departments were staged on overpasses along Interstate 40 and on Blue Ridge Road, emergency lights flashing, as a procession of fire and rescue personnel escorted Brokes. The Raleigh Professional Fire Fighters Association posted a message of support for the Durham department, and Raleigh firefighters, the ATF, the SBI, the Durham County Sheriff's Office, and EMS crews were among those who assisted at the scene.

Fire engines parked on a highway overpass at dawn with emergency lights on in tribute

Fire departments lined highway overpasses in tribute as the procession passed.

What Investigators Are Looking At

The SBI's arson unit was asked to investigate both the cause and origin of the fire and the circumstances of the firefighter's death. No cause has been released. Reports have also differed on how the building was used: some people at the scene described it as a community home, while other outlets said the structure appeared to be in a junkyard. Officials have not confirmed either description, and they have not said whether anyone was found inside. Until investigators release findings, any explanation for the collapse would be speculation.

What Happens Next

When a firefighter dies in the line of duty, a structured process begins for the family and the department, from notification and federal benefits to the funeral honors. We explain how that works in What Happens to a Firefighter's Family If They Die in the Line of Duty? and describe the bell-and-radio tradition in What Is the "Last Alarm" Ceremony? Funeral arrangements for Brokes had not been announced in the reports we reviewed.

Bottom Line

Andrew Brokes, 24, died on October 8 when a section of a burning Marly Drive building collapsed with Durham firefighters inside and on the roof, and two colleagues were hurt. The SBI is investigating the fire's cause and the circumstances of his death, and no findings have been released. We will update this report as the department and investigators share more.

Sources:WRAL — Durham firefighter dies after roof collapses in early-morning fire · ABC11 — Durham firefighter killed in the line of duty after roof collapse · CBS 17 — Officials identify Durham firefighter who died · FireRescue1 — N.C. firefighter dies battling structure fire

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the Durham firefighter who died?

The City of Durham identified him as Andrew Brokes, 24, who joined the Durham Fire Department in May 2025 and was assigned to Tower Company 5 at Fire Station 13.

What happened at the Marly Drive fire?

Crews were called around 3:15 a.m. on October 8 to a multi-story building in the 400 block of Marly Drive. About ten minutes after firefighters arrived, part of the building collapsed, trapping several firefighters on the first floor.

How many firefighters were hurt?

Two firefighters were injured and taken to Duke University Hospital, and early reports said both were expected to be okay.

What caused the Durham fire?

The cause has not been released. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation's arson unit is investigating the cause and origin of the fire and the circumstances of the firefighter's death.