Charges filed in fatal Silver Ridge Home Explosion

After a thorough investigation by the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office, charges have been filed in the February home explosion at 347 Silver Ridge Dr. in Sterling which resulted in the death of Sterling Volunteer Firefighter Trevor Brown, significant injuries to eleven first responders and $2.5 Million in damages. 

The origin and cause investigation determined the explosion on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, was the result of a leak involving a 500-gallon underground propane tank; uncontained propane migrated into and around the structure and was ignited by an unknown ignition source. On Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, findings from the LCFR-FMO investigation were presented to the Loudoun County Circuit Court Grand Jury, resulting in the indictment of Roger Bentley, a former employee of Southern States Cooperative, Inc.—Leesburg—Fairfax Petroleum Service’s (Southern States), on charges of:

• Involuntary Manslaughter (§ 18.2-36.)
• Unlawful release of hazardous materials, namely, liquified petroleum gas (Propane), Sections 27-100 and 27-97 of the Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended, incorporating section 5003.3 of the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, as amended.
• Unlawful failure to maintain required records of an unauthorized discharge of hazardous materials, namely, liquified petroleum gas (Propane), VA Statewide Fire Prevention Code 5003.3.1.1
• Unlawful failure to control or mitigate the unauthorized discharge of hazardous materials, namely, liquified petroleum gas (Propane) VA Statewide Fire Prevention Code 5003.3.1.2

The Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System encourages Loudoun residents to be safe when utilizing propane on your property. Follow these basic safety tips and remember if you smell gas, evacuate, and call 911.

• Have your propane system and appliances installed, inspected, serviced, and repaired by your propane retailer or a qualified professional.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and understand the warnings concerning the system and appliances.
• Avoid running out of propane as that may create a serious safety hazard. An inspection is likely required to be completed by your retailer or a qualified professional before turning the gas back on.
• https://www.missutility.net/homeowner/Check VA Miss Utility 811 to locate underground gas lines and tanks to avoid damaging them when digging or working on the premises. Protect all valves and gauges from the elements or insects by keeping them well covered.

How to Identify a Propane Leak:

• Listen for hissing or blowing sounds and look for blowing dirt or dying vegetation.
• If you smell a rotten-egg-like odor, you may have a propane leak. 

If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak:

• Stop what you’re doing and leave the area immediately. If you’re inside, get out immediately. If you’re outside, leave the area quickly.
• Call 911 and your propane retailer. From a safe location, away from the building, call 911 and wait for crews to arrive. Do not return to the building or area until a qualified professional determines it is safe to do so.

For additional fire prevention and life safety information, please visit www.loudoun.gov/firemarshal or call the LCFR-FMO at 703-737-8600.