Gas-Fed Fire In Springfield Sends 3 Workers To Hospital

SPRINGFIELD, VA — Three people were hospitalized due to a gas line fire in Springfield on Wednesday, according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue.

Around 12:31 p.m., units from Fairfax County and Fort Belvoir responded to the 8500 block of Hooes Road for reports of an explosion, fire and injured workers. Units encountered flames extending 50 to 70 feet in the air in the street. The fire was being fed from a free-flowing six-inch gas line, according to the fire department. Crews quickly put out two vehicle fires that resulted from the gas-fed fire.

Due to reports of injuries, units quickly established a causality collection point. Three workers were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Another worker was evaluated on scene and declined treatment. One firefighter suffered a minor injury and was treated on scene.

According to the fire department, firefighters maintained hose line operations to keep the fire in check while Washington Gas crews worked to shut gas mains down. The gas line was shut down after several hours of work, and the fire could be extinguished afterward.

Investigators determined the fire started when the six-inch gas line was struck while workers were excavating an underground gas line in the street. The gas reached an unknown ignition and erupted into a ball of flame, according to the fire department.

Firefighters also worked to evacuate and check the interior conditions of eight nearby homes. A shelter was set up at the neighboring church for temporarily displaced residents. Four homes were evacuated for at least 24 hours, and Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management assisted with resident relocation.

Damages to equipment resulting from the fire were estimated to be $250,000.