Durham County Fire Marshal

10/16/2026

We’ve recently been contacted by a Durham business owner regarding what appears to be a phone scam attempt by an individual posing as a “fire operations” officer. The caller stated that they would be coming to inspect the business, asked the owner to take photos of the extinguishers, and open a “certificate” that they sent the owner via FedEx. After the business owner asked further questions, the caller hung up and did not call back.

Unfortunately, scammers frequently misrepresent themselves as representatives of the fire department, police department, or other government agencies in an attempt to con citizens out of money. Here are some recent examples of scammers impersonating fire marshals:

https://www.wwlp.com/news/crime/springfield-police-warn-businesses-of-con-artists-asking-for-fire-extinguisher-picture/
https://www.wsmv.com/2026/01/19/scammer-posing-fire-marshal-scams-rutherford-county-bar-out-more-than-1500/
https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/westport-police-warn-of-fire-extinguisher-inspection-scam/2371916/
https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/fire/fire-prevention-division/fire-inspection-program/public-service-announcement-watch-out-for-fraudulent-fire-inspectors

Here are some tips to avoid being scammed:

• If a person claiming to be an inspector arrives at your business, avoid direct confrontation and ask to see official credentials.
• Both city and county fire marshals wear official uniforms and drive marked vehicles.
• No fire marshal will request or demand payment on the spot for inspections or violations.
• Do not share any confidential business or personal information without verifying the requestor’s credentials.
• If you are contacted by someone claiming to be a fire inspector when you do not have a scheduled inspection, please verify their credentials by contacting the Durham County Fire Marshal’s Office at 919-560-0660; for properties within city limits, please contact the Durham Fire Department Fire Prevention Division at 919-560-4233.

10/14/2026

Fire Marshal Tyler Fitts and Senior Assistant Fire Marshal Celsi Simon attended the Move-A-Bull City open streets festival downtown on October 4. It was great to spend time with our friends at Durham City/County Emergency Management and Durham County Emergency Medical Services!

10/12/2026

The Durham County Fire Marshal's Office was honored to assist in the procession to es**rt fallen Durham Fire Department Firefighter Andrew Brokes from the NC Medical Examiner's Office in Raleigh to Lowe Funeral Home in Burlington.

10/10/2026

Fire Prevention Week Tip #5: Charge Large Items Outside

Whenever possible, charge e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outdoors, and never block an exit while charging. These batteries store more energy, and fires can grow quickly if they fail.
Giving big batteries space keeps everyone safer.

Fire Marshal Tyler Fitts reminds us: “Large batteries require extra space as they have the potential to heat up during the charging process. These batteries should always be charged outdoors and away from anything that can burn.”

More information is available at https://www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week or https://dconc.gov/Emergency-Services/Education/Fire-Safety

10/09/2026

Fire Prevention Week Tip #4: Fully Charged? Unplug.

Unplug your device once it reaches a full charge. Keeping it plugged in longer than necessary adds heat and stress to the battery, both of which increase fire risk.

Fire Marshal Tyler Fitts encourages everyone to make unplugging part of their safety routine.
“Overcharging devices can lead to batteries that swell, overheat and start to release unwanted energy resulting in fire.”

Learn more at https://www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week or https://dconc.gov/Emergency-Services/Education/Fire-Safety

10/08/2026

May his memory be a blessing.

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.

10/08/2026

We extend our deepest sympathies to the Durham Fire Department following the death of one firefighter and injuries to two others on a structure fire early this morning.

DURHAM FIREFIGHTER KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY

(DURHAM COUNTY, N.C) — The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation received a request for assistance from the City of Durham Fire Department regarding an early-morning structure fire. Around 3:15 AM today, a 911 call reported a fire at 410 Marly Dr., Durham, NC. The first fire truck arrived at 3:21 AM, and smoke and flames were visibly coming from the structure. Firefighters began their work, and additional units were en route.

The structure is a multi-story commercial building that appears to have been used as a residence. Firefighters made entry into the building and began battling the blaze. At 3:31 AM, a portion of the building's roof collapsed, causing the second floor to collapse as well. Multiple firefighters were on the roof and inside on the first floor during the collapse. Several firefighters on the first floor were trapped. As a result, one of the firefighters was killed in the line of duty, and two others were injured. The two injured were taken to Duke Medical Center for treatment. All occupants evacuated the building before the fire department arrived and were not injured.

The SBI’s Arson Unit was requested to investigate the cause and origin of the fire and the circumstances of the fatality. The SBI has special agents on scene collecting evidence and investigating. The SBI will be the lead investigating agency for this event.

The following agencies responded and are working the event in some capacity:

-- City of Durham Fire Department
-- City of Durham Police Department
-- Durham County EMS
-- Durham County Sheriff's Office
-- Durham City/County Emergency Management
-- Durham County Fire Marshal’s Office
-- Raleigh Fire Department
-- ATF
-- North Carolina OSFM
-- SBI

This is an active and ongoing investigation, and additional information may be released by the SBI when available.

City of Durham, NC Government NC OSFM North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police NC Sheriffs' Association Governor Josh Stein Durham Police Department Durham County Sheriff's Office ATF Durham County Government

10/07/2026

Fire Prevention Week Tip #3: Hot Devices

If your device’s battery smells strange, feels unusually warm, makes popping noises, changes shape or color, or you see smoke, stop using it right away. If it’s safe, move it away from anything that can catch fire.

Damaged batteries can overheat and spark fires. A quick tip from Fire Marshal Tyler Fitts: “If you notice a device behaving unusually - such as changing shape or making odd noises - place it outside on a gravel or concrete surface, away from anything that could catch fire.”

More information is available at https://www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week or https://dconc.gov/Emergency-Services/Education/Fire-Safety

10/06/2026

Fire Prevention Week Tip #2: Don’t Charge On Soft Surfaces

Charge your devices on a hard, flat surface like a table, desk, or floor. Soft surfaces, like beds, couches, pillows, can trap heat and restrict airflow, causing batteries to overheat.

A quick tip from Fire Marshal Fitts: “ Never charge your devices in your bed. Devices can be easily caught in between pillows and blankets and cause unwanted fires both quickly and without warning.”

Learn more at https://www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week or https://dconc.gov/Emergency-Services/Education/Fire-Safety

07/05/2026

As many in our community prepare for a celebratory Fourth of July evening, Durham County Fire Marshal Tyler Fitts shares this important safety message focused on fireworks safety and laws:

Hello Durham County,

As Independence Day approaches, I want to take a moment to highlight the importance of fireworks safety and understanding North Carolina’s firework laws. This season consistently brings an increased risk of fires and injuries, which can be prevented through awareness and responsible choices.

According to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, North Carolina sees an average of 192 emergency department visits each year due to fireworks-related injuries. Nearly 72% of those injuries happen in July, right in line with holiday celebrations. The most common injuries are burns to the hands, face, eyes, and other extremities, and these account for almost half of all emergency room cases. Nationwide, fireworks have led to 14,700 emergency room visits and 11 deaths in recent years, underscoring the dangers that come with improper use.

In North Carolina, as a general rule: any fireworks that leave the ground or explode are illegal for personal use. Safer, legal alternatives include sparklers, smoke devices, snakes, and other ground based items that do not launch or detonate.

Hot and dry weather—like what we are currently experiencing—further increases fire danger. Under these conditions, even a small spark can ignite grass, brush, or nearby structures.

To help keep our community safe, consider low risk ways to celebrate, such as crafting holiday-themed projects with children, using glow sticks, or attending professional fireworks displays. If you do choose to use fireworks, ensure that only adults handle them, and always keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency.

By staying informed and taking simple precautions, we can work together to prevent avoidable injuries and ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for everyone in Durham County. For questions or more information our team can be contacted at 919-560-0660 or [email protected]

Best Regards,

Tyler Fitts
Chief Fire Marshal







Durham County Fire Marshal
Durham City/County Emergency Management

This message was originally shared in the July 2nd Durham This Week Online found here: https://mailchi.mp/dconc/here-is-durham-this-week-online-for-july-2-2026