🔒Investigators probe fatal explosion, fire at Searsmont lumber mill

State and federal investigators examined the scene Sunday to determine the cause of Friday’s fatal fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber Inc. in the Waldo County town of Searsmont. The mass casualty event resulted in the death of a firefighter and injuries to multiple individuals, several of whom were reported by the Maine State Fire Marshal to be in serious or critical condition. “The impact of this emergency will be felt for years to come,” the agency said in a news release. It expects operations at the scene to continue throughout the week.

Fire, explosion

At around 10:05 a.m. on Friday, multiple fire departments responded to a reported fire in one of the silos at Robbins Lumber at 506 Main St. in the Waldo County town. The Searsmont Fire Department was the first to respond, with numerous mutual aid departments assisting.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a fire in the silo at the mill. While firefighters were conducting fire suppression efforts, an explosion occurred. Multiple individuals sustained injuries and were transported to hospitals throughout the state.

Morrill firefighter Andrew Cross, 27, was killed during firefighting operations. On Saturday, Cross’s remains were transported in an honorable procession from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta to Riposta Funeral Home in Belfast.

The cause and origin of the fire are under investigation. Because of the complexity of the scene, the investigation is expected to take some time, the fire marshal’s office said.

'Long road to recovery'

Robbins Lumber is a lumber manufacturer and distributor headquartered in Searsmont, with additional locations. Siblings Catherine Robbins-Halsted, Jim Robbins and Alden Robbins are the fifth generation to own and manage the operation, which has been in business since 1881.

The main location is a 40-acre site with a milling operation, biomass plant and warehouse space. The company employs about 225 people across its facilities.

“The Robbins Lumber family is deeply grateful for the extraordinary outpouring of support, prayers, and kindness we have received following the tragic events of Friday, May 15,” Catherine Robbins-Halsted and the Robbins family wrote in a statement posted on the company's website.

They also said that two of the owners, Jim Robbins and Alden Robbins, along with family member Lily Robbins, are being treated at Massachusetts General Hospital’s burn center: "They have a long road to recovery ahead, but they are in the very best hands, and we look forward to their return." The post added that although the family has been moved by the many offers to organize fundraisers, they are asking that any donations instead go to local fire departments or the Shriners in recognition of the firefighters and families affected by the tragedy.

Hospitals, federal response

Patients were taken to MaineHealth Waldo Hospital, MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center, LifeFlight of Maine and Massachusetts General Hospital.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is the only federal agency tasked with fire investigation. Its National Response Team was brought in at the fire marshal’s request, providing specialized personnel and resources, including forensic scientists, electrical engineers, computer modeling experts and additional fire investigation personnel to support the complex investigation.

Multiple fire trucks were lost to the fire, the Thorndike Fire Department said in a Facebook post.

Four patients were initially treated at MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital, four at MaineHealth Waldo Hospital, one at MaineGeneral Hospital and one at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center. The 10 patients were then transferred to MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Portland, which has a Level 1 trauma designation.

'Close-knit industry'

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the victims, their families, the Robbins Lumber team, first responders and the surrounding community during this incredibly difficult time,” Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast said in a statement.

Robbins Lumber is an important wood buyer for logging contractors throughout the region. “This is a close-knit industry, and incidents like this are felt throughout the entire region,” the industry association said.

A founding member of the Maine Forest Products Council, “Robbins Lumber is an iconic part of the landscape of our industry and has been for generations,” the council posted. “This tragedy is already felt by our whole community. Our hearts go out to the Robbins family and employees, as well as the heroic first responders and their families.”

Community support

Nonprofits, including Canteen 19 and the American Red Cross, along with local and regional businesses and organizations, provided food and support on the scene.

The Maine Strong Memorial Foundation is working with officials and community contacts to help identify and support the confirmed individuals and families impacted by the tragedy.

Donations for the centralized relief effort will officially go live on May 18, and a donation link will be shared, the foundation said.

A mass casualty event, according to the World Health Organization, is characterized by a sudden surge in patients that overwhelms the capacity of local medical resources.