UPDATE (February 17, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.): The fallen firefighter from last night’s home explosion in Sterling has been identified as Firefighter Trevor Brown, 45, of the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company. He has been affiliated with the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System since 2016. Please keep Firefighter Brown’s family, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, and we ask that the family’s privacy be respected.
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 and additional information will be released as available.
Originally published (February 17, 2024 at 4:30 a.m.): At approximately 7:38 p.m. on Friday, February 16, 2024, the Loudoun County 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 non-life-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.
We appreciate the continued support of the community and our public safety partners during this incredibly difficult time. Please keep our Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System members, their friends, families, and all those involved in your thoughts.