Sawmill Explosion in Maine Injures Firefighters

An explosion at a sawmill in Maine on Friday resulted in injuries to multiple firefighters and led to numerous casualties in Waldo County.

At least five individuals were reported injured following the explosion at Robins Lumber Co. located at 506 S. Main St. in Searsmont. Mike Larrabee, Waldo County 911 Public Affairs Director, mentioned that the full extent of the injuries is still unclear.

According to the Portland Press Herald, the explosion ignited firefighting equipment, causing severe burns among several firefighters. Kennebunk Fire Rescue shared on social media around 12:30 pm Friday: “Our thoughts and prayers are with all members of our team regarding this incident. A large explosion occurred, seriously injuring numerous firefighters and setting fire to fire equipment.”

Critically ill patients from the incident were being treated at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, as stated by hospital spokesman Chris Facchini.

Workers were reportedly filling plastic bags with wood chips when the fire broke out, according to the Bangor Daily News, which quoted Purchasing Manager Ben Hamel. Maine State Police troopers advised bystanders about a significant fuel leak on the premises, instructing them to either move into nearby buildings or to get further away from the scene.

Katherine Robbins Halstead, co-owner of Robbins Lumber, provided an update regarding the employees and expressed gratitude to the firefighters. “All of our employees, most importantly, and I’m very grateful, have a responsibility. Buildings can be replaced, but employees can’t be replaced. The fire department has done a great job. We appreciate everything they’ve done,” she told WGME.

State Fire Marshal’s Office investigators were on-site to investigate the cause of the explosion. The mill, a family operation for generations, processes wood sourced from about 30,000 acres of company-owned land and over 150 independent log suppliers.