Governor Josh Stein ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities to half-staff from sunrise until sunset Friday, October 9, in honor of Durham firefighter Andrew Brokes, who died in the line of duty Thursday while attending to a building fire near South Miami Boulevard. He sustained fatal injuries while searching for victims inside the burning building. Brokes joined Durham's Fire Station 13 in May 2025. Two firefighters also sustained injures during the blaze.

Statement from Governor Stein

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

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Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are also encouraged to fly flags at half-staff for the duration of time indicated.