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Most of the 19 families still displaced after a gas leak and house explosion in Centreville could return home within 24 hours as final safety testing concludes.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Assistant Chief of Operations Eric Craven said officials will clear homes for reoccupation only when conditions are safe.

The Feb. 15 explosion on Quail Pond Court injured the home’s resident and a neighbor. Dozens of families were evacuated while crews searched for the leak and tested the surrounding area.

After a week of testing, Washington Gas located and repaired the leak. Investigators found that a section of polyethylene plastic pipe near Quail Pond Court and Belle Plains Drive leaked air during pressure testing.

At a Thursday night town hall, residents questioned Fairfax County leaders and Washington Gas officials about why finding and fixing the leak took nine days.

Jason Weekley, senior vice president of utility operations for Washington Gas, said the methodical process was necessary to identify what happened and complete the repair. He said the utility performed multiple leak and safety surveys and repeatedly checked every home before allowing residents to return.

Weekley declined to address reports that people smelled gas in the area, including some reports from the day before the explosion.

The National Transportation Safety Board is expected to release a final report addressing the leak’s cause, the explosion and potential safety measures in about 30 days.

Although the permanent repair has been completed, residents continued to raise concerns about the neighborhood’s safety. Weekley acknowledged the fear and uncertainty caused by the incident and asked the community for patience as the utility attempts to rebuild trust.

Fire and Rescue personnel will visit the affected neighborhood twice daily for the next week. Residents can also request atmospheric monitoring on all three levels of their homes through the county’s incident response page.

Fairfax County Supervisor Kathy Smith, whose Sully District includes the explosion site, told residents she is advocating for them.

“What happened on the night of Feb. 15 on Quail Pond Court was frightening and unacceptable,” Smith said.