STERLING, Va. (DC News Now) -- A report released Tuesday thoroughly reviewed and analyzed the events surrounding a deadly house explosion that happened nearly a year ago, resulting in the death of firefighter Trevor Brown and injuring 13 others. In its Significant Impact Report (SIR), the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System (LC-CFRS) detailed the explosion itself and made recommendations "aimed at enhancing future response efforts in a safe and efficient manner." The incident happened on Feb. 16, 2024, while crews were working on a gas leak at a home in the 300 block of Silver Ridge Drive. Their investigation determined that an underground propane tank was leaking in the back of the building. Firefighters immediately upgraded the call and requested a Hazardous Materials Team and officials began evacuating the residents from the home. Shortly after, their house went up in flames. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Sterling House Explosion: Firefighter killed, others seriously hurt The explosion leveled the home and left several firefighters trapped in burning debris. Officials said two firefighters were rescued from the house itself. The blast left 10 first responders critically injured, and two civilians with minor injuries. Neighborhood residents watch as first responders arrive at the scene after an explosion at a home, late Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, in Sterling, Va. (Nicki Jhabvala/The Washington Post via AP) Following the incident, LC-CFRS Chief Keith Johnson established a Significant Incident Team (SIT). The team was led by  Chief Thomas Coe of Frederick County, Md., Division of Fire and Rescue Services. It also consisted of 14 internal and external stakeholders as well as subject matter experts. The report's findings The team concluded that first responders at the scene faced several challenges with communication, resource allocation, command structure and more, contributing to the sequence of events that occurred that day. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Charges filed in fatal Sterling home explosion In regard to risk assessment, LC-CFRS noted that the safety of on-scene personnel was compromised as key indicators were not fully understood regarding the severity of the situation. When the incident escalated from a routine gas leak call to a catastrophic explosion, first responders were caught off guard. The report also noted that first responders faced several communication challenges that day. There were delays in relaying critical information, as well as confusion regarding mayday calls, which ultimately impacted how effective response efforts were. The Command structure faced challenges managing the rapidly evolving situation, making it difficult to coordinate rescue efforts. There were also issues with resource allocation and coordination, particularly in ensuring there was an adequate water supply and managing the rescue of trapped officials. Despite these challenges, the SIT listed several factors that favorably impacted incident outcomes, including LC-CFRS firefighter mayday training, management and coordination, technical rescue expertise and the behavioral health response. The report 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," LC-CFRS noted. In the coming months, the system noted that officials would work to identify resources and develop additional training, establish priorities and focus areas for further improvements. Back in October 2024, officials said they filed charges against an employee of Southern States Cooperative, Inc., the gas company that filled the propane tank at the scene. The LC-CFRS said they were working with the Commonwealth Attorney's Office to prepare for an upcoming criminal trial. Silver Ridge Drive Significant Incident Report (SIR)Download