LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. — The memory of 45-year-old Trevor Brown, a Sterling volunteer firefighter who lost his life in a tragic house explosion two years ago, was honored during a candlelight vigil on Monday night. Friends, family, and fellow first responders gathered to commemorate his service and sacrifice at a park that now occupies the site of the devastating incident.
Capt. Daniel Fielden of the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company addressed those in attendance, acknowledging the heavy loss felt by both the fire department and the community. “Two years ago, this lot was home to a house. We don’t need to revisit that tragic day, as we all know what happened. We lost Trevor, a dedicated firefighter committed to serving his community,” he said. “The past two years have been incredibly challenging, but we have drawn strength from one another.”
The explosion that took Brown’s life occurred on February 16, 2024, when a leaking underground propane tank ignited, leveling the home and injuring numerous residents in the vicinity. In total, the blast affected six nearby houses, injured 13 individuals, and claimed Brown’s life. He is survived by his wife and three children.
Kris Hjort, a member of the committee that facilitated the park’s development in Brown’s honor, reflected on the firefighter’s dedication to helping those in distress. “Trevor served every day, putting himself at risk for others. His passion for being a first responder was obvious,” Hjort said.
The vigil coincided with alarming news from nearby Centreville, where another explosion occurred just hours before the anniversary. This blast, unlike the one in Sterling, resulted in minor injuries and necessitated the evacuation of around 50 homes. Fire officials in the area have reported a troubling increase in gas leak incidents, attributed to fluctuating weather conditions.
Pete Piringer, spokesperson for the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, noted that the freezing and thawing of ground can lead to such leaks. He urged residents to act swiftly if they suspect a gas leak, emphasizing the importance of safety precautions. “If you detect the smell of gas, call 911 immediately. Avoid sparks or open flames, and refrain from using cell phones in the vicinity of a strong odor,” he advised.
The recent explosion in Centreville struck close to home for the Sterling community. Hjort remarked on the eerie timing, calling it “surreal” that another explosion occurred almost exactly two years after the tragic loss of Brown.
On the anniversary of the Sterling explosion, it came to light that Roger Bentley, an employee of the propane company involved, had filled the leaking tank shortly before the incident. Prosecutors allege that Bentley failed to act appropriately after notifying the homeowner about the leak. The explosion happened just 47 minutes after firefighters were dispatched to the scene.
In July 2025, a jury found Bentley guilty of multiple offenses, including three fire code violations and one count of involuntary manslaughter related to the explosion. His sentencing has been postponed as his legal team seeks either to overturn the conviction or arrange a new trial, with the next court hearing scheduled for August 19.
As the Sterling community continues to remember and honor Trevor Brown, they remain vigilant about safety and preparedness, advocating for awareness in the wake of similar tragedies.