Loudoun County House Explosion: Firefighter Dead, 13 Injured

STERLING, VA — A Loudoun County firefighter has died and 11 were injured along with two residents during a house explosion in Sterling on Friday night.

Firefighters from Sterling had responded to a gas leak in the 300 block of Silver Ridge Drive in a neighborhood north of Route 7. Units had located a 500-gallon underground propane tank with a leak on the side and requested a hazmat team and additional units. As firefighters entered the home and were investigating, the explosion occurred, according to Loudoun County Fire and Rescue.

One firefighter was pronounced dead on the scene. Officials identified him as Trevor Brown, 45, of the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company. He had been 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," Loudoun County Fire and Rescue shared.

Brown was taken to the medical examiner to confirm the cause and manner of death.

According to the fire department, 11 other firefighters and two residents were injured in the explosion. The residents have non-life-threatening injuries. Four injured people remained hospitalized as of Saturday.

The explosion caused additional assistance to be requested, drawing units from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue and the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority. Sterling Volunteer Fire Company had also been on the scene of the explosion.

The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office remains on the scene to investigate the origin and cause of the fire. The fire department believes the explosion is an isolated incident and does not pose a risk to the community.

"We appreciate the continued support of the community and our public safety partners during this incredibly difficult time," Loudoun County Fire and Rescue said in a statement.

Algonkian District Supervisor Juli Briskman said her office stands ready to assist the community as needed.

"Please keep our firefighters, their families, and everyone affected by this tragic explosion in your thoughts and prayers," Briskman shared in a social media post.

Per county officials, no GoFundMe accounts have been authorized to collect donations for firefighters.