Firefighter Dies and 2 Injured After Roof Collapses While They Battled Blaze, Leaving Crews ‘Trapped’

The collapse also caused the internal structure of the multi-story building to partially fall in as well, according to officials

NEED TO KNOW

• A firefighter died this week after the roof of a burning building collapsed in North Carolina, trapping several other first responders inside, authorities said
• The structure involved was being used as a residence, and all occupants had evacuated before firefighters arrived
• Investigators are examining the fire’s cause and circumstances surrounding the fatality

A firefighter died after a roof collapsed while he and others battled a blaze this week in North Carolina.

The structure fire was reported in Durham around 3:15 a.m. local time on Thursday, Oct. 8, according to a news release from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (or NCSBI).

The first fire truck arrived at the site of the multi-story commercial building — which was being used as a residence, according to NBC affiliate WRAL — at 3:21 a.m., the NCSBI said.

Firefighters entered the building a short time later.

A portion of the building’s roof collapsed at 3:31 a.m., “causing the second floor to collapse as well.” 

“Multiple firefighters were on the roof and inside on the first floor during the collapse,” investigators said, noting that several firefighters on the first floor were also left “trapped.” 

One of the firefighters died, according to the NCSBI. Their identity has not been disclosed.

Two others were injured and transported to a hospital for treatment, officials said. The extent of their injuries has not been released.

“We just ask that right now, you keep the family and the firefighting community and all the friends and relatives of the deceased and the injured firefighters in your thoughts and prayers,” Durham’s Deputy Fire Chief Chris Iannuzzi said, according to WRAL.

All occupants who were inside the building had evacuated before the fire department arrived, according to the NCSBI. None of them were injured.

The Raleigh Professional Fire Fighters Association also released a statement in the wake of the fatal blaze. 

“Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters of the Durham Fire Department today,” the association said. “Local 548 stands with you during this difficult time.”

The NCSBI’s arson team has been “requested to investigate the cause and origin of the fire and the circumstances of the fatality,” per authorities.

Probes of the fire and death are ongoing, according to the NCSBI, which is the lead agency.