Tragic Searsmont Lumber Mill Blast: Firefighter Dies, 11 Hurt in Robbins Lumber Explosion

A solemn tribute of flowers was placed at the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department to honor Firefighter Andrew Cross, aged 27, who tragically lost his life in a devastating fire and explosion at a lumber mill in Maine’s midcoast region. This heartfelt gesture comes as the community mourns his loss following the catastrophic event that left at least 11 others injured.

In Portland, Maine, the outpouring of respect and remembrance extended beyond the floral tribute. On Saturday, a day after the tragic incident, first responders and community members gathered along the highway and local roads to pay their respects to Cross. His remains were transported 46 miles from Augusta to a funeral home in Belfast, Maine. The procession was thoughtfully routed through Morrill, offering residents the chance to honor his memory, as shared by the fire department on Facebook.

The massive blaze that engulfed the silo at Robbins Lumber in the rural area prompted a swift response from approximately two dozen fire departments, according to the state fire marshal’s office. The scale of the disaster highlighted the risks faced by firefighters in the line of duty.

In the aftermath, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland, a Level 1 trauma center, reported treating 10 patients transferred from local hospitals. Meanwhile, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor was attending to a critically injured patient who was later moved to another facility for further care, as confirmed by a spokesperson.

The cause of the fire at the Robbins Lumber mill is still under investigation. The company, known for its “high-tech lumber manufacturing,” has been a family-owned business for five generations, operating since 1881. The mill, situated in Searsmont—a small town with a population of about 1,500 and located 95 miles from Portland—will remain closed for the foreseeable future as the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic incident.

Christian Halsted, a family spokesperson, said the fire was a “hugely devastating day for the family” and they were cooperating with authorities on the investigation.

Lumber and wood products are a critical and historic industry in Maine. The Maine Forest Products Council said it contributed more than $8 billion to the state’s economy in 2024 and provides about 29,000 jobs.