Durham Fire Department

10/16/2026

Tomorrow evening, we will be lighting our fire stations in red to honor Firefighter Andrew Brokes.

The DBAP, ATC, City Hall, and many other businesses and communities have agreed to join us in this effort.

If you have the ability, we are asking all of Durham to please show some red in honor of Andrew - and to tag the photos with

10/13/2026

We want to share this photo of our late brother, Andrew Brokes, pictured here on the left.

It was taken after Andrew rescued a man under heavy smoke and fire conditions.

That man is alive today because of the efforts of Andrew and Ladder 2.

Rest in peace, Firefighter Brokes.

10/12/2026

It’s a great relief to everyone in the DFD to have Andrew back in his hometown.

Thank you to everyone that’s stepped in to help us over these last few days. Your kindness and support during this difficult time mean the world to us.

10/12/2026

Please be respectful as we take our fallen brother to his hometown.

10/10/2026

Our beloved firefighter, son, and brother, Andrew Brokes, will be put to rest this upcoming weekend at his hometown in Burlington, NC.

The family will be holding a visitation on Friday, October 16 beginning at 4PM at the Lamb’s Chapel. The funeral service will be held the following day at 4PM.

The public is welcome to join as we remember the life of one of Durham’s Bravest.

10/08/2026

We are heartbroken to share that Firefighter Andrew Brokes died in the line of duty this morning while searching for victims inside the building at 410 Marly Drive.

Firefighter Brokes, who joined the Durham Fire Department on May 5, 2025, served the Durham community with dedication, courage, and a deep commitment to the residents of the Bull City.

“This is a heartbreaking loss for our department, the family, and the entire community,” said Durham Fire Chief Robert J. Zoldos II. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and his colleagues, and we ask that you respect the family’s privacy during this unimaginably difficult time. The department is standing with and supporting his family in every possible way.”

Two other firefighters were injured during the incident and were taken to Duke Medical Center. Both have received care and are expected to make full recoveries.

This loss is felt across our entire department. Firefighters step into unpredictable situations every day in service to others, and Firefighter Brokes embodied that calling with honor.

We know our community is grieving alongside us. If you wish to share your condolences or messages of support, they will be received with gratitude by our department and by those who knew and loved Firefighter Brokes.

In the coming days, we will share more information about how we will honor his service and support the firefighters involved in this incident.

Thank you, Durham, for surrounding our DFD family with care during this profoundly difficult time.

10/07/2026

Just after 6AM we responded to a house fire at the 5000 block of Garrett Road.

Firefighters encountered a structure behind the home fully involved that had spread to the house, and they were able to bring it under control in about 30 minutes.

One firefighter sustained a minor injury and was transported to the hospital for observation, no civilians were injured.

We were assisted on scene by Durham County EMS, Durham Police Dept. and Duke Energy. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

10/07/2026

Thank you to everyone who came to see us at National Night Out!

We always enjoy talking to people in the neighborhoods we protect 🚒

10/05/2026

"What we're hoping is that people will follow that ban, keep these batteries and then take them to the places that can receive them."

Fire Chief Zoldos spoke with WRAL TV to kick off Fire Prevention Week and discuss the upcoming battery ban.

This year's theme is "Charge into Fire Safety" and we are particularly stressing the importance of properly disposing lithium batteries.

This year's theme is 'Safe Charging is a Superpower.' Coming soon, you won't be able to toss them into the trash can. A statewide battery ban goes into effect on December 1.