A firefighter is dead, and several people are in serious or critical condition after a burning silo exploded at a lumber mill in Maine, according to emergency officials. Video of the scene from sister station WMTW shows a fire and smoke billowing into the air at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, a town of about 1,500 people, about 95 miles from Portland, Maine.The incident was reported around 11 a.m. on Friday, and as of Friday afternoon, the fire was contained but not out. Earlier Friday, officials had said that at least 11 people were injured, including firefighters. The Maine 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 mean that anyone is dead; it means there are believed to be more potential patients than the local department can handle.Video below: Drone video shows massive fire at Robbins Lumber mill in Searsmont, MaineThe 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.Crews from the Searsmont Fire Department and numerous mutual aid departments were working to knock the silo fire down when an explosion happened.Firefighter found dead, other injuries reportedOfficials said one firefighter 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 as of Friday evening.The body of the firefighter killed in the explosion will be transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta, where an autopsy will be conducted, and the victim’s identity will be confirmed, according to the Fire Marshal’s Office.As of Friday evening, investigators were still working through notifications and confirming information related to those who were injured. Officials said additional information about those who were injured will be shared when appropriate.Earlier in the day on Friday, Maine Medical Center said it anticipated the transfer of 10 patients to its Emergency Department who were injured in the incident and initially treated at MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital and MaineHealth Waldo Hospital. The Associated Press reports that MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland, which has a Level 1 trauma designation, said it was treating 10 patients who had been transferred from local hospitals. Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor told WMTW at 2 p.m. it had received one patient who was in critical condition. Officials said just after 1 p.m. that no employees were injured and all employees are accounted for. That was according to Catherine Robbins-Halsted, the Vice President of Administration in charge of Finance, Human Resources, and Insurances, and President of Robbins Lumber East Baldwin.She said there are generally two people working in the area that is affected and that the fire appeared to be contained, but it was not out. She also said there was significant structural damage.“We have dumped all of the resources from the whole county over to that area,” Waldo County 911 director Mike Larrivee said.The Augusta Fire Chief 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. The chief said that person got into a personal vehicle to get to the hospital. The chief also said hospitals near Searsmont were very busy. Emergency response and investigationThe Maine Fire Marshal’s Office confirmed they had investigators headed to the lumber mill. WMTW also confirmed numerous fire departments at the scene. A helicopter was also seen flying over 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 not even really begun a scene examination, so we do not have a cause, and may not have one for some time. 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. The cause and origin of the fire are being investigated, but because of the complexity of the scene, the investigation is expected to take some time. Firefighters said they expected to be at the scene for several days.The Red Cross told WMTW that it was mobilizing 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 includes 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.Officials react to explosionMaine Gov. Janet Mills said she has been briefed on the situation and is urging people to stay clear of the area. “I ask Maine people to join me in keeping all those affected in their thoughts,” she said.Both of Maine’s senators also expressed their thoughts on social media.”The Robbins family is beloved in the Searsmont community, and Robbins Lumber is a piece of Maine history,” said Sen. Susan Collins. “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.”Sen. Angus King said he has frequently visited the mill.”My heart goes out to Jim Robbins and his family, the workers, and the Searsmont community,” King said. “For your safety and the well-being of our wider Maine community, please follow the guidance of local emergency personnel.”Company and industry background 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 “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 Maine. 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.Owner of mill gives statementThe owner of the business gave a brief statement Friday afternoon.He called it a hugely devastating day for his family. He asked for respect for his family and said the mill will not be operating this week.Response from logging communityThe Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast shared the following statement in regards 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.”
A firefighter is dead, and several people are in serious or critical condition after a burning silo exploded at a lumber mill in Maine, according to emergency officials.
Video of the scene from sister station WMTW shows a fire and smoke billowing into the air at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, a town of about 1,500 people, about 95 miles from Portland, Maine.
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The incident was reported around 11 a.m. on Friday, and as of Friday afternoon, the fire was contained but not out. Earlier Friday, officials had said that at least 11 people were injured, including firefighters.
The Maine 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 mean that anyone is dead; it means there are believed to be more potential patients than the local department can handle.
Video below: Drone video shows massive fire at Robbins Lumber mill in Searsmont, Maine
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.
Crews from the Searsmont Fire Department and numerous mutual aid departments were working to knock the silo fire down when an explosion happened.
Firefighter found dead, other injuries reported
Officials said one firefighter 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 as of Friday evening.
The body of the firefighter killed in the explosion will be transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta, where an autopsy will be conducted, and the victim’s identity will be confirmed, according to the Fire Marshal’s Office.
As of Friday evening, investigators were still working through notifications and confirming information related to those who were injured. Officials said additional information about those who were injured will be shared when appropriate.
Earlier in the day on Friday, Maine Medical Center said it anticipated the transfer of 10 patients to its Emergency Department who were injured in the incident and initially treated at MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital and MaineHealth Waldo Hospital. The Associated Press reports that MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland, which has a Level 1 trauma designation, said it was treating 10 patients who had been transferred from local hospitals.
Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor told WMTW at 2 p.m. it had received one patient who was in critical condition.
Officials said just after 1 p.m. that no employees were injured and all employees are accounted for. That was according to Catherine Robbins-Halsted, the Vice President of Administration in charge of Finance, Human Resources, and Insurances, and President of Robbins Lumber East Baldwin.
She said there are generally two people working in the area that is affected and that the fire appeared to be contained, but it was not out. She also said there was significant structural damage.
“We have dumped all of the resources from the whole county over to that area,” Waldo County 911 director Mike Larrivee said.
The Augusta Fire Chief 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. The chief said that person got into a personal vehicle to get to the hospital. The chief also said hospitals near Searsmont were very busy.
Emergency response and investigation
The Maine Fire Marshal’s Office confirmed they had investigators headed to the lumber mill. WMTW also confirmed numerous fire departments at the scene. A helicopter was also seen flying over 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 not even really begun a scene examination, so we do not have a cause, and may not have one for some time. 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. The cause and origin of the fire are being investigated, but because of the complexity of the scene, the investigation is expected to take some time. Firefighters said they expected to be at the scene for several days.
The Red Cross told WMTW that it was mobilizing 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 includes 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.
Officials react to explosion
Maine Gov. Janet Mills said she has been briefed on the situation and is urging people to stay clear of the area.
“I ask Maine people to join me in keeping all those affected in their thoughts,” she said.
Both of Maine’s senators also expressed their thoughts on social media.
“The Robbins family is beloved in the Searsmont community, and Robbins Lumber is a piece of Maine history,” said Sen. Susan Collins. “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.”
Sen. Angus King said he has frequently visited the mill.
“My heart goes out to Jim Robbins and his family, the workers, and the Searsmont community,” King said. “For your safety and the well-being of our wider Maine community, please follow the guidance of local emergency personnel.”
Company and industry background
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 “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 Maine.
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.
Owner of mill gives statement
The owner of the business gave a brief statement Friday afternoon.
He called it a hugely devastating day for his family. He asked for respect for his family and said the mill will not be operating this week.
Response from logging community
The Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast shared the following statement in regards 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.”
