Significant Incident Report on Feb. 2024 Silver Ridge Explosion Released

The Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System’s Significant Incident Report is complete for the 2024 explosion in Sterling that resulted in the line of duty death of Firefighter Trevor Brown and injured thirteen others.

On Feb. 16, 2024, LC-CFRS units were operating on the scene of a gas leak at 347 Silver Ridge Drive where their investigation identified an underground propane tank in the rear of the structure that was leaking. Firefighters immediately upgraded the call, requesting a Hazardous Materials Team, and evacuated the residents from the home. Shortly thereafter, a catastrophic explosion occurred, leveling the home and trapping several firefighters in the burning debris. Two firefighters had to be rescued by Rapid Intervention Teams after they were unable to escape. Tragically, ten first responders were significantly injured, two civilians received minor injuries, and Firefighter Trevor Brown lost his life.   

Immediately following the incident, System Chief Keith Johnson established a Significant Incident Team led by Chief Thomas Coe of Frederick County, Maryland, Division of Fire and Rescue Services, and consisting of fourteen internal and external stakeholders and subject matter experts. The objective of the SIT was to gather and assess all available information regarding the incident, identifying both strengths and weaknesses in adherence to local and regional operational protocols.

The Significant Incident Report 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.

The following concepts highlight the challenges faced by first responders in this rapidly evolving incident and the factors that contributed to the sequence of events that occurred:

• Risk Assessment: Key indicators were not fully understood during the initial and on- going size-ups, which compromised the safety of on-scene personnel.
• Event Escalation: The incident escalated from a routine outside gas leak call to a catastrophic explosion, catching responders off guard.
• Communication Challenges: There were delays in relaying critical information and confusion regarding mayday calls, which impacted the effectiveness of response efforts.
• Resource Allocation: There were issues with resource allocation and coordination, particularly ensuring an adequate water supply and managing the rescue operation of trapped personnel.
• Command Structure: The Command structure faced challenges in managing the complex and rapidly evolving situation, leading to difficulties in coordinating rescue efforts, patient treatment/transport, and ensuring scene accountability.

The SIT also determined key factors that favorably impacted incident outcomes. These findings
include:

• Training: LC-CFRS requires firefighter mayday training as part of the Firefighter I and II curriculum that contributed to positive outcomes for the first responders trapped in the explosion. Prior to the incident, telecommunicators from the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Emergency Communications Center participated in mayday training that helped prepare them for the intricacies of firefighter rescue operations.
• LCFR-ECC Management and Coordination: The LCFR-ECC staff worked diligently to manage and track radio communications throughout the incident and ensured the Incident Commander was provided with the information in a timely manner. 
• Technical Rescue Expertise: Two technical rescue units, one from Loudoun County’s Kincora Station and the other from Fairfax County’s North Point Station, arrived quickly and used their extensive training to rapidly develop a victim removal plan and executed that plan in a coordinated effort.
• Behavioral Health Response: The emotional and mental well-being of LC-CFRS members was a high priority during and after the Silver Ridge Drive Incident. As responders were released from the scene, they were directed to a central location where peer support team members, clinicians, and canines were available for support. The LC-CFRS Behavioral Health Team remains engaged and ready to assist our personnel.

In summary, 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. By implementing the recommendations outlined in this report, LC-CFRS members can better prepare for, and respond to, similar incidents in the future, ultimately saving lives and safeguarding communities. In the coming months, LC-CFRS leadership will work to identify resources and opportunities utilizing recommendations from this report to develop additional training and establish priorities and focus areas for further improvements. 

A criminal case remains open after charges were filed against an employee of the gas company that filled the propane tank belonging to the residents of 347 Silver Ridge Drive. On Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, findings from the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office investigation were presented to a 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 various charges related to the incident. The Loudoun County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office continues working with LCFR-FMO as they prepare for the upcoming criminal trial. All previously issued press releases regarding the Silver Ridge Drive incident can be found on the official LCFR website.

The completed SIR and Recommendations Matrix are available on the Significant Incident Reviews page of the website, along with a link to the previously issued press releases regarding the Silver Ridge Drive incident.