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
NTSB Information
The investigation into the incident is being led by the National Transportation Safety Board. The NTSB released their preliminary report on Monday, March 16.
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.
Feb. 26 Town Hall Meeting
Feb. 18 News Conference
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.