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16 February 2024
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House explosion in Sterling, Virginia, kills firefighter, injures 13, US
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At approximately 19h38 on Friday, 16 February 2024, the Loudoun County (VA) Emergency Communications Centre received a 911 call reporting an odour of gas outside of a residence in the 300 block of Silver Ridge Drive in Sterling, Virginia in the US. Upon arrival, units from Sterling located a 500-gallon underground propane tank with a leak on the side of the residence and requested the Loudoun County’s Hazardous Materials Response Team, as well as additional units from Sterling, South Riding, numerous command staff and safety officers.
A short time later, units on scene reported a catastrophic explosion concurrent with multiple Maydays from firefighters inside the residence. A Rapid Intervention Task Force and a second alarm were requested, bringing additional units from Fairfax County and the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority. Upon receiving the multiple Maydays and calls for help, fire and rescue crews worked to locate and rescue the trapped members from the debris that covered them.
As of 21h15, all firefighters had been rescued or accounted for.
Ultimately, one firefighter was determined deceased on scene and 10 firefighters were transported to area hospitals for medical treatment of injuries sustained during the incident. Two civilians were transported to area hospitals for treatment of nonlife-threatening injuries.
The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office remained on scene and continued to investigate the origin and cause of the explosion. This was believed to be an isolated incident and there is no ongoing danger to the community. The fallen firefighter was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the cause and manner of death. The firefighter who died was identified as Firefighter Trevor Brown, age 45, of the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company, who was reportedly trapped in the basement after the explosion at the scene. Brown had been with the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company since 2016.
As a result of the incident, emergency medical services personnel from Loudoun and Fairfax Counties identified 13 patients in addition to the fatally injured Firefighter Brown. This included 11 first responders and two civilians with varying degree of injuries. Of the injured first responders, four remain hospitalised at local area hospitals. The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.
The Sterling Volunteer Fire Company reported that they were assisted by Fairfax Fire and Rescue Department and the Ashburn Fire Department.
James Williams, the assistant chief of operations for Loudoun County’s fire departments reported the following as for the home, “Total devastation. There’s a debris field well into the street and into the neighbouring homes.”
Sources: Loudoun Fire and Rescue Service
A short time later, units on scene reported a catastrophic explosion concurrent with multiple Maydays from firefighters inside the residence. A Rapid Intervention Task Force and a second alarm were requested, bringing additional units from Fairfax County and the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority. Upon receiving the multiple Maydays and calls for help, fire and rescue crews worked to locate and rescue the trapped members from the debris that covered them.
As of 21h15, all firefighters had been rescued or accounted for.
Ultimately, one firefighter was determined deceased on scene and 10 firefighters were transported to area hospitals for medical treatment of injuries sustained during the incident. Two civilians were transported to area hospitals for treatment of nonlife-threatening injuries.
The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office remained on scene and continued to investigate the origin and cause of the explosion. This was believed to be an isolated incident and there is no ongoing danger to the community. The fallen firefighter was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the cause and manner of death. The firefighter who died was identified as Firefighter Trevor Brown, age 45, of the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company, who was reportedly trapped in the basement after the explosion at the scene. Brown had been with the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company since 2016.
As a result of the incident, emergency medical services personnel from Loudoun and Fairfax Counties identified 13 patients in addition to the fatally injured Firefighter Brown. This included 11 first responders and two civilians with varying degree of injuries. Of the injured first responders, four remain hospitalised at local area hospitals. The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.
The Sterling Volunteer Fire Company reported that they were assisted by Fairfax Fire and Rescue Department and the Ashburn Fire Department.
James Williams, the assistant chief of operations for Loudoun County’s fire departments reported the following as for the home, “Total devastation. There’s a debris field well into the street and into the neighbouring homes.”
Sources: Loudoun Fire and Rescue Service
