STERLING, Virginia – The community of Sterling, Virginia is in mourning after a devastating house explosion took the life of a volunteer firefighter and injured 13 others. Trevor Brown, a father of three, tragically lost his life in the explosion, which occurred shortly after a large propane tank was found leaking, according to Loudoun County fire officials. Four other firefighters remain hospitalized, with the occupants of the home escaping with minor injuries.
Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Chief Keith Johnson stated that there were firefighters inside the house when it exploded, and multiple mayday calls were made. The tragic incident has brought the community together, with an outpouring of support for the victims and their families. A memorial at the site of the explosion has been created, adorned with notes and flowers to honor the fallen firefighter and the injured first responders.
In a heartwarming display of solidarity, fire officials in Belize reached out to express their support for the Loudoun first responders. They were joined by various fire departments in Northern Virginia and even Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, sending their condolences and well wishes to the community in the wake of the tragedy.
Chief David Short of the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company emphasized the selfless nature of their work, stating, “We do this because this is our calling. We obviously don’t do it for money. We don’t do it for any reason other than just to serve the community.” Short also made a heartfelt appeal for the community to show their support for the victims and their families during this difficult time.
As funeral plans are underway for Trevor Brown, the Loudoun First Responders Foundation is collecting donations for his family and the injured first responders. Those who wish to contribute can find more information on the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Department’s official Facebook page.
The impact of this tragic event has reverberated through the entire community, as they come together to mourn the loss of a dedicated firefighter and support those injured in the explosion. The resilience and unity displayed in the face of adversity reflect the strength of the Sterling community during this challenging time.