Maine Fire Marshal Releases Preliminary Findings in Robbins Lumber Fire and Explosion

The Maine Office of State Fire Marshal has released preliminary findings in the investigation into the fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont.

According to officials, investigators with the Fire Marshal’s Office and special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives spent Memorial Day weekend examining the scene. The initial on-site investigation has now wrapped up, though officials say the overall investigation remains active and ongoing.

Investigators say the cause of the fire is considered accidental based on information gathered so far. The fire is believed to have started near the unloader mechanism at the base of a silo. Before firefighters were able to fully contain the smoldering fire, suspended particulate material ignited rapidly, causing an explosion inside the silo.

Officials say the force of the explosion lifted the silo from its concrete base, releasing large amounts of sawdust and other material. The silo then toppled over, and the surrounding area quickly became engulfed in flames. The fire spread rapidly to nearby buildings and structures within the mill complex, causing extensive damage.

Investigators also found that the facility’s fire suppression system, located near the top of the silo, did not activate because temperatures at that height did not reach the system’s activation threshold.

In the coming months, investigators are expected to return to the facility for a more detailed examination of the unloader systems. That may include additional testing with insurance representatives and technical experts.

The Fire Marshal’s Office says it is also coordinating with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health regarding firefighter safety and has started the line-of-duty death review process.

Officials also clarified that John Ward, who had initially been identified as a mill employee, was responding as a member of the Lincolnville Fire Department and was not affiliated with the mill.

Firefighter Andrew Cross of Morrill was remembered during the investigation, along with military members who died in service. Officials say their thoughts remain with Cross’s family, his fellow firefighters, and those injured in the fire.