What Happened to Andrew Brokes? Durham Firefighter, 24, Dies After Roof Collapse During Rescue Operation

Andrew Brokes, a 24-year-old firefighter with the Durham Fire Department in North Carolina, died on October 8, 2026, after part of a burning building collapsed while he was searching for possible victims. Two other firefighters were injured in the incident, which occurred at a property on Marly Drive in southeast Durham.

The fatal collapse happened shortly after emergency crews arrived at the burning structure early Thursday morning. Investigators are examining the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the collapse, while North Carolina officials have ordered tributes to honor Brokes.

Brokes, whose full name was Andrew Johnathan Brokes, had joined the Durham Fire Department in May 2025. His death has prompted memorial arrangements in his hometown of Burlington, where family members, colleagues and community residents are preparing to pay their respects.

What Happened to Andrew Brokes?

Emergency crews were dispatched to a building fire at 410 Marly Drive, near South Miami Boulevard and U.S. Highway 70, at approximately 3:15 a.m. on October 8.

Firefighters arrived about six minutes later and encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from the structure.

The building had previously been used for commercial purposes but was being occupied as a residential property.

Firefighters began searching the building to determine whether anyone remained inside.

At approximately 3:31 a.m., part of the roof collapsed, bringing down sections of the upper floor and trapping several firefighters working on the ground level.

Brokes was among those trapped during the structural failure.

Despite the emergency response, he suffered fatal injuries.

Two other firefighters were injured and transported to Duke Regional Medical Center. Both received treatment and were subsequently released from the hospital.

Authorities confirmed that the building’s occupants had escaped before firefighters arrived, and no civilian injuries were reported.

Who Was Andrew Brokes?

Andrew Johnathan Brokes was born on January 13, 2002, and grew up in Burlington, North Carolina.

He attended Western Alamance High School before beginning a career in emergency services.

Brokes started working in firefighting in 2022, gaining experience with local departments before joining the Durham Fire Department.

His earlier service included positions with the Elon Fire Department and the Swepsonville Fire Department.

Both organizations acknowledged his death and paid tribute to his service following the incident.

Brokes officially joined the Durham Fire Department on May 5, 2025.

He was assigned to Tower Company 5 at Fire Station 13, where he worked alongside firefighters responding to emergencies throughout the city.

At the time of his death, he had served with Durham for approximately 17 months.

Durham Fire Chief Responds to Brokes’ Death

Durham Fire Chief Robert J. Zoldos II confirmed the department’s loss and expressed condolences to Brokes’ family.

Zoldos said, “This is a heartbreaking loss for our department, the family, and the entire community.”

He added, “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.”

The department confirmed that Brokes had been searching for victims when the collapse occurred.

Officials also acknowledged the two firefighters who were injured and confirmed that both were expected to recover.

The department has continued coordinating support for Brokes’ family and colleagues.

North Carolina Governor Orders Flags Lowered

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein ordered American and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff on Friday, October 9.

The order applied from sunrise until sunset.

Stein said, “Today we mourn the loss of Andrew Brokes, a young Durham firefighter who died keeping people safe.”

He continued, “Firefighter Brokes sustained fatal injuries while heroically searching for victims inside a burning building. Let us keep his colleagues and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers. May his memory be a blessing.”

The governor’s announcement also encouraged local governments, schools, businesses and other organizations to participate in the tribute.

Fire departments across North Carolina shared messages recognizing Brokes’ service.

Investigation Into the Marly Drive Fire

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s Arson Unit is investigating the cause and origin of the fire.

Investigators are also examining the circumstances that led to the structural collapse.

The property contains multiple buildings, and reports indicate that several structures were being used as residential spaces.

Property records identify Admiral Properties LLC as the owner.

Residents who escaped the fire subsequently raised concerns about conditions inside the building, including previous electrical problems.

Those accounts have not established the cause of the blaze.

The collapse also created safety concerns for investigators, who restricted access to parts of the damaged structure because additional sections could fall.

As of October 12, officials had not publicly announced a final determination regarding the fire’s origin.

Andrew Brokes’ Family and Personal Life

Brokes was the son of Samantha and Christopher Brokes of Burlington, North Carolina.

He is also survived by his brother, Alex Brokes, and his grandmother, Suzanne Shipley.

His obituary confirmed that firefighting was a family tradition. Brokes began training for emergency service while still a teenager and continued that work into adulthood.

He graduated from Western Alamance High School in 2021, the same year he completed his Emergency Medical Technician certification and firefighter training.

Brokes was also an Eagle Scout with Troop 4019 in Burlington.

Outside work, he enjoyed hiking, skiing, snowboarding, jet skiing and visiting national parks. His family said he had hoped to visit every national park in the United States.

Andrew Brokes’ Funeral Arrangements Confirmed

Funeral arrangements have been announced for Brokes in Burlington.

A public visitation is scheduled for Friday, October 16, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Lamb’s Chapel, Airport Campus, located at 3539 Alamance Road.

A celebration of life will follow at the same location on Saturday, October 17, beginning at 4 p.m.

Lowe Funeral Home & Crematory is coordinating the arrangements.

The family has requested donations to the North Carolina Fallen Firefighters Foundation or the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation instead of flowers.

Andrew Brokes to Be Escorted Home on October 12

The Durham Fire Department has announced plans to escort Brokes’ body from the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Raleigh to Burlington on Monday, October 12.

The procession is scheduled to depart from Gold Star Drive in Raleigh at approximately 10:30 a.m.

It will travel along Interstate 40 and Interstate 85 before reaching Lowe Funeral Home in Burlington.

Officials have asked members of the public who wish to observe the procession to remain in safe locations and follow traffic regulations.

As of October 12, the two firefighters injured in the Marly Drive collapse have been released from the hospital. The State Bureau of Investigation continues examining the cause of the fire, while Brokes’ family prepares for the October 16 visitation and October 17 memorial service.