Update, February 17, 2024 (10:35 a.m.): The firefighter who died in last night’s home explosion in Sterling, Virginia, has been identified as Firefighter Trevor Brown, 45, of the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company.
As a result of last night’s incident, emergency medical services personnel from Loudoun and Fairfax Counties identified 13 patients in addition to the fatally injured Firefighter Brown. This includes 11 first responders and two civilians with varying degree of injuries. Of the injured first responders, four remain hospitalized at local area hospitals. The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.
Update, February 17, 2024 (5:30 a.m.): At approximately 7:38 p.m. on Friday, February 16, 2024, the Loudoun County (VA) Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call reporting an odor of gas outside of a residence in the 300 block of Silver Ridge Drive in Sterling. 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. 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 remains on scene and continues to investigate the origin and cause of the explosion. This is 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. Additional information regarding the investigation will be released as appropriate.
Update, February 16, 2024, 10:55 p.m.: One firefighter was killed in a home explosion in Sterling, Virginia, that sent multiple other victims, including nine firefighters, to various area hospitals, according to a media briefing.
Original story, February 16, 2024: A firefighter was reportedly trapped in the basement after an explosion at the scene of a house fire in Loudon County, Virginia, according to news reports.
NBC Washington reported that a Mayday was declared and one firefighter had reportedly become trapped by debris at the fire in Sterling.
According to WUSA9, crews were called to Silver Ridge Drive for a gas leak shortly after 7:30 p.m. About an hour later they returned to the same area for a structure fire.
The Sterling Volunteer Fire Company reported that they are being assisted by Fairfax Fire and Rescue Department and the Ashburn Fire Department, per FOX 5.
As of 9:15 p.m., all firefighters had been rescued or accounted for, according to loudonnow.com. The report said multiple victims, both firefighters and civilians, had been transported to area hospitals.
