Initial Report Finds Fatal Fire, Explosion at Maine Lumber Mill Was Accidental
A huge fire and explosion at a lumber mill in Maine on May 15 that took the life of a 27-year-old firefighter and injured a dozen others is believed to have been accidental, according to an initial investigation by state and federal officials.
The state fire marshal’s office said that based on information gained from an on-scene investigation at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, investigators believe the fire originated in the base of the silo in the area of the unloader mechanism. Before the smoldering fire could be contained, a “rapid ignition of suspended particulate material resulted in an explosion within the silo.”
During the explosion, the silo lifted from its concrete base, releasing large amounts of sawdust and additional particulate material, according to investigators. The silo then toppled over, at which point the fire “rapidly spread to adjacent buildings and structures within the mill complex, contributing to the extensive damage to multiple buildings.”
The fire and explosion took the life of Andrew Cross, 27, of the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department. Cross was one of hundreds of firefighters from dozens of departments who responded to the incident.
Maine Mourns 27-Year-Old Firefighter Killed in Lumber Mill Explosion
Those injured include other emergency responders and members of the family that runs the lumber mill.
Fire Marshal Shawn Esler’s statement also reported that Investigators further determined the fire suppression system 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.
Last weekend, crane operators lifted and moved the silo structure, allowing investigators access to the scene. The investigation was handled by the Maine fire marshal’s office and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms (ATF).
While the on-scene phase of the investigation has concluded, officials said the investigation itself remains ongoing. In the coming months, investigators are expected to return to the property to more closely examine the unloader systems. This may include additional testing in coordination with insurance representatives and technical experts to further identify a cause.
The fire marshal said his office will be coordinating with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) regarding firefighter safety and has initiated the line-of-duty death review processes.
Photo: Photo provided by the Maine Department of Public Safety shows firefighters trying to extinguish flames from a large fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, Maine on Friday, May 15, 2026 (Maine Department of Public Safety via AP)