5/21/26 Update
Fire investigators from the Office of State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives continue their investigation at the scene of the Robbins Lumber fire and explosion in Searsmont.
Today’s work focused on interviews, scene excavation, and evidence recovery. Investigators also continued examining the facility’s fire suppression systems and related infrastructure as part of the ongoing origin and cause investigation.
Investigators have now sifted through hundreds of cubic yards of sawdust and debris by hand and with heavy equipment in an extremely labor-intensive operation. Crews continue to carefully excavate material within the silo areas to preserve and document potential evidence. One crane arrived on scene today, and a second crane required for planned lifting operations involving the silo structure is expected to arrive on Friday. Crews also spent the day conducting preparatory work and evaluating site safety ahead of the lifting operation.
This evening, investigative personnel will attend a memorial honoring Morrill Firefighter Andrew Cross. We continue to extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, fellow firefighters, and all those affected by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers remain with those still hospitalized.
Additional updates will be released as appropriate.
Press Release from the Maine State Fire Marshal, Monday, May 21, 2026
5/18/26 Update
Searsmont – Investigators from the Maine Office of State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) continued their investigation at the scene of the Robbins Lumber fire and explosion.
Operational activities focused heavily on scene documentation, evidence preservation, aerial mapping, and ongoing witness interviews. Investigators have now conducted more than 50 interviews, with many more to be completed as the investigation progresses. Multiple interviews conducted during the last operational period continue to help investigators better understand the sequence of events surrounding the fire and subsequent explosion.
Investigators also examined similar mill infrastructure and electrical systems to understand the facility layout and operational processes better.
High winds throughout the day created difficult working conditions on scene, resulting in flying debris and periodic interruptions to investigative operations. Drone operations and aerial photography were particularly challenging due to the wind, causing delays in some scene documentation. During the operational period, one ATF investigator sustained a minor injury related to the difficult site conditions. The injury was not serious, and operations continued safely with appropriate precautions in place.
Investigators continue to work closely with Robbins Lumber’s administration to support the ongoing investigation and, where appropriate, safely restore portions of the facility. Robbins Lumber has fully cooperated with investigators throughout the process. At this time, portions of the mill can continue operating safely without interfering with investigative operations.
Searsmont, Belmont, and Appleton Fire Departments sustained damage to their fire apparatus during the incident, affecting frontline emergency response capabilities. Mutual aid partners continue to help maintain emergency coverage for the affected communities.
We also continue to monitor and remain mindful of those injured in the incident, including:
Searsmont Fire
- Chief James Ames – Released
- Assistant Chief Wayne Woodbury – MaineHealth Maine Medical Center
Searsmont EMS
- EMS Chief Sarah Tompkins – MaineHealth Maine Medical Center
- Liliane Robbins- Massachusetts General Hospital
Belmont Fire
- Katherine Paige- MaineHealth Maine Medical Center
Montville Fire
- Jacob Spaulding- MaineHealth Maine Medical Center
Lincolnville Fire
- Aaron Heald- Released
Appleton Fire
- Chief Clifton Marriner – Released
Mill Employees
- Alden Robbins – Massachusetts General Hospital
- James Robbins – Massachusetts General Hospital
- Thomas Wolf – MaineHealth Maine Medical Center
- John Ward- Released
Our thoughts remain with the family of Firefighter Andrew Cross, the injured, their families, coworkers, and the communities affected by this incident. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
An in-person media briefing on the Robbins Lumber investigation will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the Searsmont Town Office. Department of Public Safety Commissioner Michael Sauschuck, representatives from the Maine Office of State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) will provide an operational update on the investigation.
Press Release from the Maine State Fire Marshal, Monday, May 18, 2026
5/17/26 Update
Sunday morning, Investigators from the Office of State Fire Marshal (FMO) were joined by Special Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Response Team (ATF NRT). Fire investigators from both agencies will conduct a joint scene examination focused on determining the origin and cause of the fire and subsequent explosion.
We recognize the importance of this investigation to the victims, their families, the employees of Robbins Lumber, the local community, and the many agencies involved in the response. 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.
We expect operations at the scene may continue throughout the week. While investigators remain on scene, the Office of State Fire Marshal will not be conducting in-person media interviews, and the scene will remain secured. Information may periodically be released through the Department of Public Safety and the Office of State Fire Marshal.
We continue to monitor the conditions of patients receiving care at hospitals throughout New England, many of whom remain in critical condition. Our thoughts are with them, their families, and all those impacted by this tragedy.
We also extend our gratitude to the medical teams at MaineHealth Waldo Hospital, MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center, LifeFlight of Maine, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the many healthcare professionals across the region who provided immediate care and continue to support those affected during this difficult time.
The impact of this emergency will be felt for years to come.
Press release from the Maine State Fire Marshall, Sunday, May 17, 2026
Firefighter Identified in Searsmont explosion LODD (5/16/26)
Augusta – The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has identified the firefighter killed in the line of duty in yesterday’s Searsmont explosion as 27-year-old Morrill Firefighter Andrew Cross. State Fire Marshal Shawn Esler said, “Our deepest sympathies, thoughts, and prayers are with the firefighter’s family, loved ones, and colleagues during this devastating time.
The Maine State Police will assist with the honorable transfer this morning from the Medical Examiner’s Office at 34 Hospital Street. The procession will travel along Route 3 to Risposta’s Funeral Home in Belfast. Further information on funeral arrangements and memorial services will be shared as details become available.
Press release from the Maine State Police and Maine State Fire Marshal, Saturday, May 16, 2026
FMO Investigating Fatal Explosion at Lumber Mill in Searsmont (5/15/26)
On Friday, May 15, 2026, at approximately 10:05 am, multiple fire departments responded to a reported fire in one of the silos at Robbins Lumber at 506 Main Street in Searsmont. The Searsmont Fire Department was the initial responding agency, with numerous mutual aid departments assisting in firefighting efforts. 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. Several are reported to be in serious and critical condition. One firefighter was located deceased on the scene. The firefighter will be transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta where an autopsy will be performed and positive identification confirmed. Investigators are still working through notifications and confirming information related to those who were injured. Additional information about the injured will be released when appropriate. The fire departments have contained the fire, but suppression efforts are still underway. The cause and origin of the fire are being investigated by the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office. Because of the complexity of the scene, the investigation is expected to take some time. We will provide additional information when it’s appropriate.
*Assisting agencies included the Albion, Appleton, Belmont, Belfast, 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 Fire Departments, along with the Maine Forest Rangers, Maine State Police, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, ATF , Waldo SO, and OSHA.
More agencies may have or will be present. We will add them when possible.
Press release from the Maine State Fire Marshal, Saturday, May 15, 2026