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Firefighter uninjured after fiery explosion in Fairfax County

Despite the size and surprise of the fiery explosion, none of the firefighters were injured.

FAIRFAX, Va. — Fairfax County Fire shared a video of a fiery explosion that erupted after a firefighter opened a building door Tuesday evening.

According to a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) by Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, crews were called to the 3800 block of S George Mason Drive in Bailey's Crossroads for a utility emergency. 

The video shared by Fairfax County Fire and Rescue shows what appears to be a relatively calm scene at first. One firefighter is working with a hose while another walks toward a building and opens the door. Moments later, an explosion rocks the firefighters back and the video ends. 

Peggy Fox with Dominion Energy says that wires underground leading to the building had a fault issue, causing the fire which moved upward toward the building. When the firefighter opened the door, a rush of oxygen caused the explosion. 

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Mitchell Clark says investigators are conducting cause and origin reports and expect more information to be released in the coming days. 

Despite the size and surprise of the fiery explosion, none of the firefighters were injured. 

"Thankfully, our firefighter is okay," the fire department said on X. "FCFRD [firefighters] put their lives on the line every day to protect the lives & property of Fairfax County." 

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