The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office (“LCFR-FMO”) continues its investigation into the origin and cause of the home explosion that occurred on February 16, 2024, at 347 Silver Ridge Drive in Sterling. As previously reported, the explosion was the result of a leak involving a 500-gallon underground propane tank. The investigation showed that propane leaked into and around the structure and was ignited by a still unknown ignition source.
As the investigation continues, the LCFR-FMO is working directly with representatives from Southern States Cooperative, Inc. – Leesburg – Fairfax Petroleum Service (“Southern States”) to review and update the company’s fire code related information. The Fire Marshal has imposed restrictions on all branches of Southern States that deliver/transfer propane within Loudoun County, Virginia, and the incorporated towns within the county. Until Southern States completes its fire code updates, residents of Loudoun County and its incorporated towns may experience interruptions to their normal propane service delivery.
The LCFR-FMO and Southern States hope to have these updates completed as quickly as possible to help reduce the impact on the community. As this remains an extremely complex investigation, the incident will remain under investigation until further notice. The official cause classification will be communicated when the investigation is complete.
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