Durham police faced significant evidence loss from fire

A fire at the Durham Regional Police storage facility on July 17, 2022, destroyed over 90,000 pieces of evidence, causing more than $20 million in losses. The fire was sparked by a car battery, and the facility lacked a sprinkler system despite previous warnings about potential catastrophic losses. The blaze has impacted hundreds of criminal cases, including serious offenses like homicide and drug possession. Many cases have collapsed or resulted in plea deals due to the loss of physical evidence, with defense lawyers expressing concerns about the fairness of the legal process. Durham police acknowledged the fire's significant damage but stated they had maintained the facility adequately. The decision not to install sprinklers was based on cost and the facility's planned closure, despite prior warnings about fire risks.