SEARSMONT, Maine — One firefigher was killed and at least 10 were injured in an explosion at a lumber mill in Midcoast Maine.
Fiirefighters from multiple agencies were trying to extinguish a fire in one of the silos at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, according to Shannon Moss of the Maine Department of Public Safety.
"While firefighters were conducting fire suppression efforts, an explosion occurred," Moss stated. "Multiple individuals sustained injuries and were transported to hospitals throughout the state. Several are reported to be in serious and critical condition. One firefighter was located deceased on the scene."
The deceased's identity has not been released. Their body was transported to the chief medical examiner's office in Augusta for positive identification.
"Investigators are still working through notifications and confirming information related to those who were injured," Moss stated.
On Friday, Maine Medical Center in Portland expected to receive 10 patients, according to a statement from the hospital's parent organization, MaineHealth.
The patients were being transfered from Pen Bay Hospital in Rockport and MaineHealth Waldo Hospital to Maine Medical Center's emergency department. The Portland hospital has a Level 1 trauma designation, meaning that it has specialized care for critical injuries.
Maine Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck and State Fire Marshal Shawn Esler spoke with reporters Friday afternoon, but left a number of questions unanswered.
Officials did not confirmed the total number of injured or state what may have caused the explosion.
“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,” Shawn Esler said.
The fire began at about 10 a.m. Friday, according to officials.
Citing a mill employee, the Bangor Daily News reported that the fire began amongst stored wood shavings before spreading to a dust-filled silo that exploded.
Firefighters from more than two dozen local departments converged on the site.
“We have dumped all of the resources from the whole county over to that area,” Waldo County 911 director Mike Larrivee said on Friday.
By 1 p.m., officials had cordoned off the scene, but flames and black smoke were still clearly visible, as was a helicopter circling the area.
By 4 p.m., flames were no longer visible but there was still plenty of smoke.
The fire was contained by around 9 p.m., according to Moss.
Speaking to reporters, Robbins Lumber co-owner and vice president Catherine Robbins-Halsted did not provide details as to what happened, but said that there was “a significant event at the mill.”
“All our employees are accounted for,” Robbins-Halsted said, but would not say whether any employees were injured. “Buildings can be replaced, employees cannot.”
Usually, she said, two employees work in the area where the fire occurred.
“I would like to thank the fire department for their tremendous response,” Robbins-Halsted said.
Robbins-Halsted added that it was “just a regular day” at the mill prior to the start of the fire.
She said that the fire resulted in “a significant structure loss.”
Gov. Janet Mills was expected to visit the scene late Friday afternoon, but was not expected to speak to the media.
“I have been briefed on the situation unfolding in Searsmont," Mills wrote in a statement issued earlier in the day. "I urge folks to stay clear of the area, follow the instructions of law enforcement, and allow emergency personnel to respond. I ask Maine people to join me in keeping all those affected in their thoughts.”
State Rep. Michael Ray, whose district includes Searsmont, stated: “As we continue to monitor the situation in Searsmont, my heart and prayers are with the employees and their families. I ask folks to steer clear of the area to let our first responders do their jobs. I will share more information as it becomes available.”
“Please be in prayer for the Robbins family, the employees, the first responders and all those involved with the fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont,” Winterport state Rep. Reagan Paul said.
Robbins Lumber started in 1881, and today owns 30,000 acres of forest, according to its website. The Searsmont mill sits on a 40-acre site and has 115 employees.
The fire represents a “hugely devastating day for the family” and the mill will not be operating in the near term, said Christian Halsted, speaking on behalf of the family. He said the family is cooperating with authorities on the investigation.
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.
According to security company Avian, a fire occurred at Robbins in 2024. Avian reports that a dry kiln control room was destroyed, however, the fire was contained before it reached the kilns or lumber storage areas.
With reporting by the Associated Press.
