SEARSMONT — A fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, Maine, on May 15, 2026, killed firefighter Andrew Cross, 27, of the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department, and injured a dozen other people, including members of the family that operates the mill and other emergency responders.

The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office determined the incident was accidental, originating at the base of a silo. Rapid ignition of particulate material triggered an explosion that lifted the silo from its concrete foundation and released large quantities of sawdust and other materials. The silo subsequently toppled, and the surrounding area became engulfed in fire.

Investigators from the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the inquiry. According to the Fire Marshal’s Office, the facility’s fire suppression system, located near the top of the silo, did not activate because temperatures at that elevation failed to reach the activation threshold after the fire began at the base.

High winds during the investigation hampered efforts, creating difficult working conditions, airborne debris, and interruptions to operations, said Maj. Aaron Turcotte, spokesperson for the Maine Department of Public Safety. Drone operations and aerial photography were especially challenging due to the wind, causing delays in documenting the scene.

The fire produced towering plumes of black smoke and drew hundreds of firefighters from dozens of departments to contain the blaze. Searsmont is located about 95 miles northeast of Portland.

Robbins Lumber, which describes itself as a “high-tech lumber manufacturer” that has been in operation since 1881 and family-owned for five generations, was cooperating with authorities.

Governor Janet Mills ordered state flags lowered to half-staff in honor of Cross. “My heart goes out to the family, friends and colleagues of Andrew Cross. He died a hero.”

Lumber mills are known to be major sources of combustible dust. In 2024, the lumber and wood products industry contributed more than $8 billion to Maine’s economy and supported approximately 29,000 jobs, according to the Maine Forest Products Council. Investigators plan to return to the site in the coming months for a more detailed examination.