Emergency

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12000 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, VA 22035
Contact Name
Chairman

Quail Pond Court Area Incident

Updates


Re-Entry for Residents

Ongoing Monitoring

Washington Gas has implemented a phased monitoring plan for Belle Plains Drive to ensure continued safety.

Immediate Survey Area (Belle Plains Drive evacuees – see Immediate Survey Area map)

Four monitoring checks daily during the first week:

  • Once daily for the following two weeks
  • Once weekly for two additional weeks
  • Every other week thereafter (time TBD)

Expanded Survey Area (see Expanded Survey Area map)

  • Weekly gas leak surveys in the expanded area for one month

 

Fire Department Monitoring Plan

During Phase 1, FCFRD will be in the immediate Belle Plains/Quail Pond area twice daily for one week from Friday, Feb. 26, 2026 to Friday, March 6, 2026:

  • 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
  • 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Residents who have reoccupied homes on Belle Plains Drive may request interior atmospheric testing. The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department will coordinate directly with residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Williams interstate natural gas transmission pipelines located in the right‑of‑way near the community do not directly serve the affected neighborhood. Instead, these pipelines carry gas to nearby meter stations, specifically the Bull Run meter station, about 4.9 miles and to the Herndon meter station, about 8.9 miles away from Quail Pond Court. From those stations, the local gas utility (WGL) takes the gas into its own system and delivers it to its customers.

If you are outside the affected area where gas service was turned off by Washington Gas, or if you personally turned off your gas, please call their emergency line at 844-WASHGAS (844-927-4427) to have service safely restored.

Service is now being restored to 41 residences on Elkheart Court, Knoughton Way, Locust Grove Court, and the north side of Belle Plains Drive. If your gas is not restored, contact Washington Gas at 844-WASHGAS (844-927-4427).

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department will be available to provide additional on-site atmospheric monitoring for residents who would like an added layer of reassurance during the relighting and service restoration process. When you meet with the relight team, please let them know if you would like Fire and Rescue personnel present. A team will be dispatched to your residence to assist and help ensure a safe, thorough, and confident return to service.

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 turned off your own breaker, you may turn it back on. If you experience any issues restoring power, contact your electric utility provider for assistance.

According to the Residential Fuel Gas Alarms guidance from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), gas alarms should be tested, listed, and labeled by a recognized third-party laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Intertek. Install alarms in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions—typically near fuel-burning appliances, in basements or attached garages where fuel gas enters the home, and outside sleeping areas for early notification. Alarms should be inspected and tested at least monthly, or as directed by the manufacturer, to ensure they are functioning properly.

Mail delivery has been restored on Buggy Whip Drive and for residents who have returned home on Belle Plains Drive. Residents on the south side of Belle Plains Drive who remain evacuated may pick up their mail at the United States Postal Service office located at 5003 Westfields Blvd, Centreville, 20120

The American Red Cross remains committed to supporting the community in the aftermath of this event and is available to provide emotional support and spiritual care through trained and licensed responders. If you or your loved ones would like to speak to someone, you can reach out at 1-800-REDCROSS. 

Before re-entry, homes were evaluated for safety. If you notice new cracks, shifting, unusual odors, or other concerns after returning, contact your insurance provider and report any immediate safety hazards to 911.

Yes. Ensure carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are installed and functioning properly. Test alarms upon return and replace batteries if needed. If your CO alarm activates, leave immediately and call 911.

Homes were cleared following atmospheric monitoring. Air readings were confirmed safe prior to re-occupancy. If you notice strong odors, dizziness, or irritation, leave the home and call 911.

If you experience issues with gas appliances, notify Washington Gas during the relighting process. An HVAC company is onsite to assess and address appliance concerns.

  • Smell of natural gas (rotten egg odor)
  • Hissing sounds near gas lines
  • CO alarm activation
  • Natural Gas detector activation
  • Appliances not functioning properly
  • Unusual structural changes

If you smell gas, leave immediately and call 911, then contact Washington Gas at 844-WASHGAS. Do not attempt to locate the source or turn appliances on or off.

Safety Tips

 

  • Leave immediately. Get everyone out of the building.
  • Do NOT turn lights on or off.
  • Do NOT use phones, appliances, or anything electrical inside.
  • Do NOT light matches or candles.
  • Do NOT try to locate the leak yourself.
  • Once safely outside, call 911 and your gas company.

 

  • Smell of rotten eggs.
  • Hissing or whistling sounds near gas lines.
  • Dead or dying vegetation near a gas line.
  • Bubbling in standing water.

 

  • Know how to shut off your gas — but only turn it off if instructed by authorities or your utility company.
  • Make sure your home has working smoke and carbon monoxide alarm.
  • Keep flashlights accessible — avoid using candles during outages.
  • Have a family evacuation plan and a meeting place outside your neighborhood.

 

  • Follow instructions from local officials.
  • Be prepared for possible evacuations.
  • If asked to evacuate, bring essentials and leave immediately.
  • Do not return home until officials say it is safe.
  • Gas leaks are serious and can quickly become life-threatening. When in doubt — get out and call for help.

According to the Residential Fuel Gas Alarms guidance from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), gas alarms should be tested, listed, and labeled by a recognized third-party laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Intertek. Install alarms in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions—typically near fuel-burning appliances, in basements or attached garages where fuel gas enters the home, and outside sleeping areas for early notification. Alarms should be inspected and tested at least monthly, or as directed by the manufacturer, to ensure they are functioning properly.

NTSB Information

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board are on site to determine the cause and ensure long-term safety.

  • Residents with photos or video footage related to the incident are encouraged to email witness@ntsb.gov.
  • The NTSB has set up an incident page.
  • NTSB investigators identified a section of polyethylene plastic pipe near the corner of Quail Pond Court and Belle Plains Drive that leaked air during pressure testing. Read more. 

Feb. 26 Town Hall Meeting

Feb. 18 News Conference

More Information

Elkheart Court, Knoughton Way, Locust Grove Court and the northside of Belle Plains Drive can reoccupy their homes.

Re-entry safety information: Information for Customers Impacted in Centreville

The American Red Cross remains committed to supporting the community in the aftermath of this event and is available to provide emotional support and spiritual care through trained and licensed responders. If you or your loved ones would like to speak to someone, you can reach out at 1-800-REDCROSS.

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