A volunteer firefighter was killed while responding to a report of a leaking propane tank when the house exploded.

The incident occurred in Sterling, Virginia, on February 16 and injured 10 other firefighters and two civilians.

Firefighters were responding to a gas leak from an underground 500-gallon propane tank used to heat the swimming pool.

Upon arrival, units from Sterling located the 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.

Firefighters responding to investigate the gas smell went inside the house to check for occupants and attempt to mitigate any leaks.

A short time later, an explosion occurred, 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 nonlife- threatening injuries. A neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, said it sounded like a bomb went off.

“We literally ran out of the door because our front door blew off in front of the house and I was screaming, ‘Oh my God, the house is gone!’” the woman said. “I could've been standing there if I hadn't gone in my own house. That kind of freaks you out when you realize you were that close to something that scary.”

The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office remained on scene and continued to investigate the origin and cause of the explosion. It was believed to be an isolated incident with no ongoing danger to the community.

The home was totally destroyed, and three other homes were marked uninhabitable.

The fallen firefighter was identified as Trevor Brown, 45, who had been affiliated with the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue system since 2016. He was married with three children.

Ten other first responders were sent to hospitals with varying degrees of injuries. Five of these remained in the hospitals for several days — two were critical. Fire Chief Keith Johnson said they were fortunate that there was only one fatality.

“We lost a family member,” Johnson said. “We lost one of our own. Quite frankly we’re lucky we only have one fatality. Our folks were in that house when it exploded. They did what they had to do.”