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Investigators Release Report On Deadly Loudoun County Home Explosion That Killed Firefighter

The Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System (LC-CFRS) has released its comprehensive report on the February 2024 house explosion in Sterling that tragically claimed the life of Firefighter Trevor Brown and injured 13 others.

The blast occurred on Feb. 16, 2024, after first responders were called to a gas leak at 347 Silver Ridge Drive. 

Investigators discovered a leaking underground propane tank behind the home and quickly evacuated the residents, but before the Hazardous Materials Team could secure the scene, the home exploded, trapping firefighters in the fiery wreckage.

Loudoun EMS Units are enroute to Haymarket in Prince William County for a gas related house explosion on the 5990 block of Colby Hunt Ct.

Facebook via Loudoun Career Fire Fighters Association - IAFF Local 3756

Two firefighters had to be rescued by Rapid Intervention Teams following the "catastrophic explosion," investigators said

In total, 10 first responders were significantly injured, two civilians suffered minor injuries, and Brown lost his life in the line of duty.

Trevor Brown, of the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company, was killed in the Friday night, Feb. 16 blast, Loudoun Fire & Rescue said.

Loudoun County Fire and Rescue

Following the tragedy, LC-CFRS established a Significant Incident Team (SIT), led by Chief Thomas Coe of Frederick County Fire and Rescue. 

"The Significant Incident Report (SIR) developed by the SIT contains a comprehensive review and analysis of factors, actions, and other items surrounding this incident and recommendations aimed at enhancing future response efforts in a safe and efficient manner," officials said.

The SIT’s report highlights key challenges that contributed to the incident, according to investigators:

  • Risk Assessment: Initial size-ups failed to fully identify key indicators, compromising safety;

  • Event Escalation: The routine gas leak call escalated into a catastrophic explosion;
  • Communication Issues: Delays and confusion regarding mayday calls impacted response efforts;
  • Resource Allocation: Rescue and water supply coordination faced difficulties;
  • Command Structure: Challenges in managing the complex situation slowed rescue efforts.
"This report is not intended to place blame or identify any single action performed on the scene. The goal is to identify, learn, and improve our daily operations," officials said.

"The report also praised positive outcomes, including the firefighters’ mayday training and rapid technical rescue efforts from specialized units." 

In addition to operational recommendations, the report emphasized the importance of behavioral health support, including peer support teams and clinicians were on hand immediately after the incident to assist responders.

"(To summarize,) the completed SIR underscores the need for continuous improvement in emergency response protocols, training, and communication strategies to mitigate risks and enhance the safety of responders in high-pressure situations." 

The investigation isn’t over yet. 

A former employee of Southern States Cooperative, Inc., Roger Bentley, has been indicted by a grand jury on charges related to the explosion. 

His trial is pending as the Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney prepares its case.

The complete 211-page report can be found here.

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