Residents have started to return to the Centreville neighborhood that was evacuated last week after a gas leak fueled an explosion and fire that consumed one home.
As of noon yesterday (Sunday), Washington Gas has restored service to 44 homes determined to be clear for re-entry, 42 of which have seen occupants return, the utility said in an afternoon update.
“Please know that any home approved for re-entry has undergone multiple, rigorous safety checks and has been deemed safe by all agencies involved,” Washington Gas said. “If you are in your home, you are safe.”
Apparently fueled by natural gas leaking into the ground, the Feb. 15 explosion in the 14300 block of Quail Pond Court injured two people, including a resident of the house that caught fire, and forced residents of 46 homes to evacuate the area. Gas service was also shut off for about 86 homes.
According to Washington Gas, its crews “have identified the system failure” and are now working on a new phase of repairs and restoration. More details about the exact cause of the leak and subsequent explosion will eventually be shared by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is leading an investigation that could span months.
In the meantime, Washington Gas says the homes cleared for residents to return underwent multiple safety checks, with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD) providing final confirmation. The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC), which regulates utilities, also assisted.
“Our teams are systematically narrowing the specific area where additional work is required, and we are making steady progress each day,” Washington Gas said. “We are taking a deliberate and thorough approach to ensure the integrity of the system before all work is complete.”
The FCFRD still has personnel on site who can conduct atmospheric readings for any residents seeking more reassurance that their home is safe as gas service is restored.
More from the fire department:
When meeting with the relight team, let them know if you would like Fire and Rescue personnel present, and a team will be dispatched to your home to ensure a safe and confident return to service.
If you are outside the affected area where gas service was turned off by Washington Gas, or if you personally turned off your gas, and need gas restored, call their emergency line at 844-WASHGAS (844-927-4427) to have service safely restored. Do not attempt to turn your gas service back on yourself.
If you have reoccupied your home and believe you smell natural gas, leave the home immediately and call 911, then contact Washington Gas at 844-WASHGAS (844-927-4427). Do not attempt to locate the source of the odor or turn appliances on or off.
If you are interested in purchasing natural gas alarms, you can refer to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guide for trusted and certified options.
The department also noted that, as of Saturday (Feb. 21), mail delivery has been restored for Buggy Whip Drive and returning residents on Belle Plains Drive.
“Residents on Belle Plains Drive who remain evacuated may pick up their mail at the United States Postal Service office in Chantilly, located at 4410 Brookfield Corporate Drive,” the FCFRD said.
The county is accepting questions from residents at QuailPond@publicinput.com for an upcoming town hall, though a day and time hasn’t been announced yet.
“Please note that, due to the ongoing investigation, specific details regarding the explosion cannot be discussed at this time,” the county noted.
Washington Gas is continuing to provide hotel accommodations for residents who remain displaced.
“We remain committed to supporting every resident through this process and will continue to communicate openly and transparently,” the utility said.
Frustrations with Washington Gas ran high at a recent virtual community meeting, where some residents said they had called the utility about a natural gas odor and saw crews in the area hours before the house explosion, NBC4 reported.
