SEARSMONT, ME — Investigators from the Maine Office of State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 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.
Those injured in the incident include Searsmont Fire Chief James Ames, who was released; Assistant Chief Wayne Woodbury, who is at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center; Searsmont EMS Chief Sarah Tompkins, who is at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center; Liliane Robbins of Searsmont, who is at Massachusetts General Hospital; Belmont firefighter Katherine Paige, who is at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center; Montville firefighter Jacob Spaulding, who is at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center; Lincolnville firefighter Aaron Heald, who was released; Appleton Fire Chief Clifton Marriner, who was released; mill employees Alden Robbins of Searsmont, who is at Massachusetts General Hospital; James Robbins of Searsmont, who is at Massachusetts General Hospital; Thomas Wolf of Searsmont, who is at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center; and John Ward of Searsmont, who was released.
Firefighter Andrew Cross died in the incident.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
