At least 11 people were injured on Friday in a fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, Maine, prompting a mass casualty response. The incident occurred around 11 a.m., with both firefighters and civilians among the injured. Multiple Mayday calls were issued during the response, and several fire trucks were damaged or destroyed, according to the Thorndike Fire Department.
Catherine Robbins-Halsted, co-owner of Robbins Lumber, said all employees were accounted for. Officials at a 3:30 p.m. news conference stated they were not yet confirming the number or identities of those injured as they worked to verify details and notify families. The fire was contained but not fully extinguished, and roads in the area remained closed.
Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center received one patient in critical condition. Another patient, identified by family as a firefighter from Lincolnville, was being transferred to Maine Medical Center in Portland. Maine Medical Center said it was preparing to receive 10 additional patients initially treated at MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital and MaineHealth Waldo Hospital.
Searsmont resident George Sprowl told the Bangor Daily News he was walking his dog when he saw smoke and then “the sky went back all at once,” which he believed marked the moment a wood-shavings silo exploded. He described Robbins Lumber as the town’s most important employer and called the incident a “terrible catastrophe.”
Governor Janet Mills was briefed and on her way to Searsmont. She urged the public to avoid the area and allow emergency personnel to respond. Senator Susan Collins and Representative Reagan Paul also released statements expressing support for the affected community.
