Explosion at Searsmont lumber mill kills Maine firefighter, leaves multiple in critical condition
By Adam Bartow, Russ Reed
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SEARSMONT, Maine (WMTW) — The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office has provided an update on the investigation into a fire and explosion at a lumber mill that left one firefighter dead and a dozen people injured.
The news conference about the investigation into Friday morning’s incident at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont started shortly before 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Town Office.
Firefighter Andrew Cross, 27, of the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department, was identified as the victim who died in Friday morning’s incident at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont.
Cross received an honorable transfer Saturday morning, as his body was transported from the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Augusta to a funeral home in Belfast.
Eight of the injured are first responders while the remaining four work for Robbins Lumber, including two of the company’s owners. The State Fire Marshal’s Office said many of the injured were still in critical condition as of Sunday.
As of Monday afternoon, four of the 12 who were injured had been released from hospital care.
On Sunday morning, investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and special agents from the ATF National Response Team launched their joint investigation into the origin and cause of the fire and subsequent explosion at Robbins Lumber.
What we know
Fire at Robbins Lumber was reported at 10:05 a.m. Friday, May 15 Crews were working to extinguish a fire in a silo when an explosion occurred Firefighter Andrew Cross was found dead at the scene 12 people were injured and transported to hospitals throughout Maine Six of the injured are firefighters and two work for Searsmont Emergency Medical Services Two of the injured are owners of Robbins Lumber and two are employees of the company Maine Medical Center in Portland was still treating five of the injured as of Monday afternoon Three of the injured are being treated at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston Four of the injured have been released from hospital care, including a Lincolnville firefighter
The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office and multiple fire departments responded to what Waldo County Dispatch called a mass casualty incident following an explosion and massive fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont. A mass casualty incident does not necessarily mean a death is involved. It simply means there are believed to be more potential patients than the local department can handle.
The Fire Marshal’s Office said multiple fire departments responded to a reported fire in one of the silos at Robbins Lumber at about 10:05 a.m. Friday.
Crews from the Searsmont Fire Department and numerous mutual aid departments were working to knock the silo fire down when an explosion happened.
Officials said one firefighter, later identified as Morrill Firefighter Andrew Cross, was found dead at the scene.
Multiple people sustained injuries and were transported to hospitals throughout the state, and several were reported to be in serious and critical condition Friday evening. In an update shared Sunday afternoon, the Fire Marshal’s Office said many of those injured remained in critical condition.
Robbins Lumber Vice President of Administration Catherine Robbins-Halsted said all employees were accounted for, but noted that there was significant structural damage to the mill.
“We have dumped all of the resources from the whole county over to that area,” Waldo County 911 director Mike Larrivee said.
Video shared with Maine’s Total Coverage showed a massive fire at the mill. Jeff Quinn also shared pictures with Maine’s Total Coverage showing the fire and smoke.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office said the Searsmont, Belmont and Appleton fire departments sustained damage to their fire apparatus during the incident, which affects the frontline emergency response capabilities of those departments. The Searsmont, Belmont and Appleton fire departments are receiving mutual aid to help maintain emergency coverage for those communities.
What we know about Andrew Cross Cross was among the first two firefighters from the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department to respond to Searsmont on Friday, along with Morrill Fire Chief Dean Rowlands.
“We were there only 15 minutes before the explosion happened,” Rowlands said.
In a somber moment, crews stopped working to suppress the fire as Cross’ body was removed from the scene and placed into a vehicle that would bring his remains to the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Morrill Fire Captain Brian Simmons said Cross had a deep love for the small town of Morrill, which is home to around 800 people.
“He was a staple to our town, our department. All these departments around here, we help each other out, and he grew up here in Morrill, so I knew him since he was a little kid,” Simmons said.
A memorial for Cross has been set up outside of the Morrill Fire Station.
Cross’ family shared an obituary with Maine’s Total Coverage that states a memorial service for his family and the community will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, May 22, at Veracity Chapel in Morrill.
There will also be a public visitation on Thursday, May 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Riposta Funeral Home, located at 182 Waldo Ave. in Belfast. The obituary states shuttle service to the funeral home will be provided from Belfast Area High School at 25 Lions Way.
In addition to being a member of the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department, Cross worked as a second-shift outside machinist at Bath Iron Works for the past seven years.
“We are grateful for his dedication and commitment to his community and to his country, and we are deeply saddened by his passing,” Bath Iron Works said in a statement.
According to the obituary shared by his family, Cross graduated from Belfast Area High School, where he was a member of the soccer team, baseball team and National Honor Society. He went on to earn an associate of science degree in mechanical technology at Washington County Community College with certificates in heavy equipment operation and as an engine specialist.
Cross owned his own business, A.R. Cross Trucking, and did earthwork, plowing and mowing for people in surrounding communities. He also plowed roads for the town of Morrill.
Honorable transfer of fallen firefighter On Saturday, Cross received an honorable transfer as his remains were transported from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta to Riposta’s Funeral Home in Belfast.
The procession left Augusta and went down Route 3 before turning onto Thompson Ridge Road in Searsmont and then onto Borough Road before turning onto Route 131 in Morrill.
From Route 131, the procession turned onto Robinson Schoolhouse Road and continued on Banks Road before turning onto Poors Mills Road in Belfast. The procession then continued down Poors Mills Road and Marsh Road before turning onto Waldo Avenue, where the funeral home is located.
Treatment of injured patients MaineHealth said Maine Medical Center in Portland, the only hospital in the state with Level 1 trauma designation, received 10 patients who were injured in the Searsmont incident. Those patients were initially treated at Pen Bay Hospital in Rockport and Waldo Hospital in Belfast.
Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor told Maine’s Total Coverage that at 2 p.m. Friday it had received one patient who was in critical condition. That patient was later transferred to another facility.
Augusta Fire Chief Dave Groder confirmed to Maine’s Total Coverage that an Augusta ambulance crew intercepted one patient with burns sustained in the Searsmont incident and took them to the hospital in Augusta. Groder said that person got into a personal vehicle to get to the hospital.
On Saturday, MaineHealth said two of the 10 patients were transferred to another hospital and that it continued to treat eight patients.
Mass General Brigham said that on Saturday, Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston admitted two patients who were injured in the explosion and that both patients were listed in critical condition.
On Monday, MaineHealth said that a third patient had been transferred to another facility and two people who were being treated at Maine Medical Center had been discharged.
What we know about injured firefighters Belmont Firefighter Katherine Paige was transported to Maine Medical Center, where she was in a medically induced coma and being treated for severe burns to her hands and face, according to her husband. Paige’s husband said his wife has a “long recovery ahead.” Paige was named Firefighter of the Year in 2025. She was still hospitalized at Maine Medical Center as of Monday afternoon.
Searsmont Fire Chief James Ames was injured and has been released from hospital care, while Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury remained hospitalized at Maine Medical Center as of Monday afternoon.
Searsmont Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Chief Sara Tompkins was still hospitalized at Maine Medical Center as of Monday afternoon while Searsmont EMS volunteer Lily Robbins, the daughter of Robbins Lumber co-owner Alden Robbins, was being treated at Massachusetts General Hospital as of Monday afternoon.
Montville Firefighter Jacob Spaulding remained hospitalized at Maine Medical Center as of Monday afternoon. A Go Fund Me page has been created to help Spaulding’s family with medical bills. According to the page, Spaulding now faces a long and challenging road to recovery but he is expected to be okay.
Lincolnville Firefighter Aaron Heald, 20, was taken to Maine Medical Center to receive treatment. Heald has been released from the hospital and the Lincolnville Fire Department welcomed him home on Sunday.
Appleton Fire Chief Clifton Marriner was also among the injured and has since been released from hospital care.
Mill owners among the injured In a statement, the Robbins Lumber Company said two of the mill’s owners, President James A. Robbins and Vice President of Sales Alden Robbins, who are brothers, were injured in the fire and explosion. The brothers and Alden’s daughter, Searsmont Emergency Medical Services volunteer Lily Robbins, were being treated at Massachusetts General Hospital’s burn center as of Monday afternoon.
“They have a long road to recovery ahead, but they are in the very best hands, and we look forward to their return,” the Robbins Family said in a statement on the company’s website.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office said two Robbins Lumber employees were injured during Friday’s incident. One employee, Thomas Wolfe, was still hospitalized at Maine Medical Center as of Monday afternoon. The other employee, John Ward, has been released from hospital care.
The Robbins Family said they are “deeply touched” by the many requests it has received from those wishing to establish fundraising efforts to help them, but they have requested that any contributions be directed to local fire departments or to the Shriners in honor of the firefighters and families who have been impacted by the explosion.
“Our hearts are with the family of the firefighter who lost his life in service to our community, and with the firefighters who remain hospitalized as they recover from their injuries. We are profoundly thankful for the courage, professionalism, and sacrifice shown by the first responders who answered the call that day,” the family said in its statement. “We are incredibly thankful for the support offered by our employees, our industry partners, our customers, our community, and so many others who have reached out with encouragement and offers to help. Your kindness has meant more than words can express during this difficult time.”
Large response to the fire
The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office had investigators at the lumber mill on Friday. Maine’s Total Coverage has also confirmed numerous fire departments at the scene. A helicopter was also seen flying over the fire.
The Fire Marshal’s Office said more than two dozen fire departments responded to Robbins Lumber: Albion, Appleton, Belmont, Camden, Freedom, Hermon, Hope, Jackson, Liberty, Lincolnville, Montville, Morrill, Northport, Palermo, Prospect, Searsmont, Searsport, Stockton Springs, Thorndike, Union, Unity, Waldo, Warren, West Frankfort and Whitefield. Members of the Maine Forest Rangers and Maine State Police also responded to the fire.
The investigation also includes officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Maine Department of Environmental Protection (Maine DEP).
“We have a tremendous amount of work to do,” Maine Fire Marshal Shawn Esler said Friday afternoon.
The Fire Marshal’s Office said crews have contained the fire, but suppression efforts were still underway as of Friday evening.
Flames were still visible from the mill Saturday morning.
The Red Cross told Maine’s Total Coverage it mobilized a disaster action team and that 10 trained disaster responders were en route. The Red Cross said they would be serving in a support capacity, ensuring firefighters and first responders have what they need to continue fighting the fire. That included providing water, snacks and comfort items like blankets and cots. The Red Cross said it was also in close communication with local emergency management agencies.
The investigation The scene was turned over to the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office on Saturday. On Sunday morning, investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office were joined by special agents from the ATF National Response Team. Fire investigators from both agencies will conduct a joint scene examination to determine the origin and cause of the fire and subsequent explosion.
“We owe the people of Maine a thorough, professional, and methodical investigation. ATF is the only federal agency tasked with fire investigation. Therefore, at our request, the ATF NRT has responded with specialized personnel and resources, including forensic scientists, electrical engineers, computer modeling experts, and additional fire investigation personnel to support complex investigations of this nature,” the Maine Fire Marshal’s Office said in a statement on Sunday.
Investigators were expected to remain on scene for most of the week.
“The impact of this emergency will be felt for years to come,” the Fire Marshal’s Office said.
On Monday, the Fire Marshal’s Office said investigators had conducted more than 50 interviews and examined mill infrastructure and electrical systems to better understand the layout of the facility and operational processes.
The Fire Marshal’s Office said high winds throughout the day created difficult working conditions on scene, including flying debris. One ATF investigator sustained a minor injury related to the difficult site conditions. The wind also made drone operations and aerial photography challenging, causing delays in some documentation of the scene.
Elected officials react
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, shared the following statement Friday afternoon:
“The Robbins family is beloved in the Searsmont community, and Robbins Lumber is a piece of Maine history. I have known the family for many years. My heart goes out to them, their employees, and the first responders who have come from all over the region to help in the emergency response. This is a very sad crisis, and all those affected are in my prayers.”
Collins shared another statement Saturday night:
“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Andrew Cross, the volunteer firefighter who lost his life while responding to the fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont yesterday. My heart goes out to his family, his friends, and the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department, where he served.
“A member of my staff knew Andrew for many years and played soccer with him from the time they were young. He said that everyone knew Andrew as a kindhearted, hardworking Maine man who loved his family, his dogs, and the people of his community. He was the kind of person who could always be seen with a smile on his face, and his loss is being felt deeply.
“Andrew’s life is a shining example of the courage, bravery, and selfless love of others that can be found in every town and city across our great state. Our first responders give more than we could ever repay to help keep us and our loved ones safe, and it is incumbent on us to honor their sacrifices. May Andrew’s memory be a blessing.”
U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, shared the following statement Saturday afternoon:
“There is no braver man than one who runs toward the danger to protect others. Firefighter Andrew Cross was a hero who died far too young in the line of duty, confronting the blaze at the Robbins Lumber mill so that others could be safe. May he rest in peace.
“I am keeping Andrew, his family, his friends and all of our first responders in my thoughts today. And [my wife] Izzy and I continue to pray for the recovery of the others injured in Friday’s fire.
“I’m also aware of what a loss this fire is to the region. I have met the Robbins family several times, and toured the mill in Searsmont. The damage to the facility is a loss not only to their family business, but to the families of the dozens of people who work there. In the wake of this tragedy, my staff and I stand ready to support the community in whatever way we can.”
U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, shared the following statement Friday night:
“I’m heartbroken by the devastating explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont that injured multiple Mainers and took the life of a firefighter who ran toward danger to protect others.
“My thoughts are with the loved ones of the firefighter who lost their life, the survivors and their families, and the brave first responders from communities across Maine who rushed to help. Firefighters and emergency crews put everything on the line for us, and today is a painful reminder of the sacrifices they make.
“I’m grateful to the medical teams, mutual aid departments, and volunteers supporting the response and recovery efforts.”
Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, shared the following statement Friday evening:
“This afternoon, I visited Searsmont to thank the first responders on scene at Robbins Lumber. For five generations, Robbins Lumber has been a cornerstone of the community and a mainstay of the forest products industry. I told the Robbins family that Maine people will have their back as they face the challenge ahead.
“I ask Maine people to keep the Robbins family, their employees, first responders, and the people of Searsmont and Waldo County in their thoughts and prayers.”
Mills shared the following statement Tuesday afternoon:
“[On Monday], Robbins Lumber Company shared publicly that brothers James and Alden Robbins, along with Alden’s daughter, Lily, were injured in the fire in Searsmont and are receiving care at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Another Robbins Lumber employee and several injured first responders continue to receive care in Maine.
“I want to recognize the heroic efforts of all the volunteer firefighters, ambulance crews and the staff at Pen Bay Hospital, Waldo Hospital, LifeFlight and Maine Medical Center, all of whom responded immediately to this mass injury event with great professionalism and with both medical and humanitarian aid, as well as the Portland Fire Department who have been assisting with food and housing for the family of the injured.
“We hold the Robbins family and staff, especially those now receiving care at Mass General, in our hearts and hope for their full recovery as well as the full recovery of the fire and EMT personnel receiving care.
“My heart goes out to the family, friends and colleagues of Andrew Cross. He died a hero.
“As I told first responders, emergency management leaders, and state and federal officials on Friday during my visit to Searsmont, my administration and the people of Maine will stand with the Robbins family and all those impacted in the days ahead.”
U.S. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, shared the following statement Friday afternoon:
“I am monitoring the reports tracking the explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, and commend the brave first responders who are now on the scene helping workers and their families. I have visited this mill frequently and my heart goes out to Jim Robbins and his family, the workers, and the Searsmont community.”
Response from logging community The Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association (NELMA) shared the following statement on social media.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the Robbins family, their employees, and to the family of the firefighter who lost their life serving bravely yesterday afternoon. We continue to lift up all the firefighters and their families following Friday’s devastating fire and subsequent explosion at Robbins Lumber Company in Searsmont, Maine.
“The Robbins family has been, for generations, an integral part of the NELMA family. As early leaders in wood marketing, they have played a major role in the introduction of Eastern White Pine to the world.
“It is with certainty that the Searsmont operation will come back even stronger in the weeks and months to come, and the NELMA family stands beside them as they rebuild.”
The Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast shared the following statement in regard to the tragedy at Robbins Lumber.
“The Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast is deeply saddened by the tragic explosion and fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, Maine today. 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.
“Robbins Lumber has been a valued Supporting Member of the PLC for many years and is an important wood buyer for logging contractors throughout the region. The company has long played a significant role in supporting Maine’s forest economy and the livelihoods of many hardworking families connected to the industry.
“This is a close-knit industry, and incidents like this are felt throughout the entire region. As the situation continues to develop, we stand with everyone affected and remain hopeful for the speedy recovery of those injured. The PLC extends its heartfelt support to Robbins Lumber and all those impacted by this devastating event.”
About Robbins Lumber The company’s website states that it has been a family-owned firm for five generations and has been in existence since 1881. The website describes the company as “a high-tech lumber manufacturer.”
There are over 115 employees at the Robbins Mill in Searsmont and the company has another 100 or so employees at other locations across the state.
Lumber and wood products are a critical and historic industry in Maine, especially in rural parts of the state. The Maine Forest Products Council said the industry contributed more than $8 billion to the state’s economy in 2024 and provides about 29,000 jobs.
Robbins Lumber said it will remain closed for at least a week while the cause and origin of the fire and explosion are investigated. The State Fire Marshal’s Office did note, however, that parts of the mill can continue operating safely without interfering with the investigation.
The Maine Department of Labor said it has connected with Robbins Lumber to offer rapid response services for the mill’s employees. Rapid response helps connect workers to services and programs such as unemployment insurance, career center services, health insurance, training and job search assistance.
On Tuesday, May 19, the Department of Labor said its Rapid Response Team spoke with Robbins Lumber several times and that a company representative said Robbins Lumber does not anticipate any layoffs and that workers continue to be paid. The company also said it expected to resume production soon, so unemployment insurance assistance and other rapid response services are not needed at this time, according to the Department of Labor.
State Senator Rick Bennett, who is running for governor, was at the mill on May 7 to announce policy plans. Maine’s Total Coverage was there for that announcement. You can see what the mill looked like before the explosion and fire in our report from that day here.
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