Authorities Determine Cause of Explosion and Fire at Searsmont, ME, Sawmill

On Tuesday, authorities said the fire and subsequent explosion at the Robbins Lumber sawmill in Searsmont, Maine, on May 15 that killed a firefighter and injured a dozen others was accidental and originated at the base of a silo, The Associated Press reported (5-26-26).

According to the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office, rapid ignition of particulate material resulted in an explosion inside the silo, causing it to lift from its concrete base and release large amounts of sawdust and other materials. The silo then toppled, and the surrounding area became engulfed in fire.

“Investigators also determined the facility’s fire suppression system, which was located near the top of the silo, did not activate because temperatures at that elevation did not reach the activation threshold after the fire originated at the base of the silo,” the office said.

Investigators will return to the facility in the coming months to conduct a more detailed examination.

The deceased firefighter was identified as Andrew Cross, 27, a member of the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department. Those injured included members of the Robbins family that operates the lumber mill and other emergency responders. The fire sent plumes of black smoke into the sky and required hundreds of firefighters from dozens of departments to suppress it.