Loudoun County firefighter dead, 12 others injured in house explosion
Multiple maydays called as firefighters became trapped about 45 minutes after reported gas leak
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One firefighter is dead, two firefighters, and two civilians are injured after a house exploded tonight in Loudoun County, Virginia. Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Assistant Chief of Operations James Williams says some of those hospitalized have severe injuries.
Loudoun County Fire & Rescue radio traffic via OpenMHz.com
Radio traffic shows an engine and truck company were dispatched at 7:38 p.m. to 347 Silver Ridge Place for a reported outside gas leak. At 8:17 p.m., Engine 618 from the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company station in Cascades reported they found a 500 gallon underground propane tank containing about 100 gallons that was leaking. A hazmat assignment was requested.
BREAKING. The fire chief tells us that 1 fire fighter died in the explosion. 9 firefighters were transported to a hospital with serious injuries. I just got new video after the house exploded. Just Quickly edited on iphone.@fox5dc pic.twitter.com/Z1NWeGlm51
— Shomari Stone (@shomaristone) February 17, 2024
The explosion was reported at 8:24 p.m. with a number of firefighters calling maydays and reporting they were trapped under the debris of the house. Neighbors assisted some injured firefighters. Rescue operations began immediately. It was reported by radio early on that one firefighter had died. It took about an hour before the last firefighter was rescued. Some victims were sent to a burn unit in D.C.
Engine 618 and Truck 611 dispatched to SILVER RIDGE DR for the GAS LEAK [Fri 07:38 PM]
— Sterling VFC (@SterlingFire) February 17, 2024
From Loudoun County Fire and Rescue:
Home Explosion in Sterling Leaves One Firefighter Deceased, Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating
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.
