All,
Here is the latest on the Robbins Lumber Fire Investigation from the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office:
(Below the SFM message is a statement from the owners of the lumber facility)
Investigators from the Maine Office of State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) continued their investigation at the scene of the Robbins Lumber fire and explosion.
Operational activities focused heavily on scene documentation, evidence preservation, aerial mapping, and ongoing witness interviews. Investigators have now conducted more than 50 interviews, with many more to be completed as the investigation progresses. Multiple interviews conducted during the last operational period continue to help investigators better understand the sequence of events surrounding the fire and subsequent explosion.
Investigators also examined similar mill infrastructure and electrical systems to understand the facility layout and operational processes better.
High winds throughout the day created difficult working conditions on scene, resulting in flying debris and periodic interruptions to investigative operations. Drone operations and aerial photography were particularly challenging due to the wind, causing delays in some scene documentation. During the operational period, one ATF investigator sustained a minor injury related to the difficult site conditions. The injury was not serious, and operations continued safely with appropriate precautions in place.
Investigators continue to work closely with Robbins Lumber’s administration to support the ongoing investigation and, where appropriate, safely restore portions of the facility. Robbins Lumber has fully cooperated with investigators throughout the process. At this time, portions of the mill can continue operating safely without interfering with investigative operations.
Searsmont, Belmont, and Appleton Fire Departments sustained damage to their fire apparatus during the incident, affecting frontline emergency response capabilities. Mutual aid partners continue to help maintain emergency coverage for the affected communities.
We also continue to monitor and remain mindful of those injured in the incident, including:
Fire & Rescue Members
Searsmont Fire
Chief James Ames – Released
Assistant Chief Wayne Woodbury – MaineHealth Maine Medical Center
Searsmont EMS
EMS Chief Sarah Tompkins – MaineHealth Maine Medical Center
Liliane Robbins- Massachusetts General Hospital
Belmont Fire
Katherine Paige- MaineHealth Maine Medical Center
Montville Fire
Jacob Spaulding- MaineHealth Maine Medical Center
Lincolnville Fire
Aaron Heald- Released
Appleton Fire
Chief Clifton Marriner – Released
Mill Employees
Alden Robbins – Massachusetts General Hospital
James Robbins – Massachusetts General Hospital
Thomas Wolf – MaineHealth Maine Medical Center
John Ward- Released
Our thoughts remain with the family of Firefighter Andrew Cross, the injured, their families, coworkers, and the communities affected by this incident. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
An in-person media briefing on the Robbins Lumber investigation will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the Searsmont Town Office. Department of Public Safety Commissioner Michael Sauschuck, representatives from the Maine Office of State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) will provide an operational update on the investigation.
FROM THE FAMILY WHO OWNS THE FACILITY
The Robbins Lumber family is deeply grateful for the extraordinary outpouring of support, prayers, and kindness we have received following the tragic events of Friday, May 15th.
Our hearts are with the family of the firefighter who lost his life in service to our community, and with the firefighters who remain hospitalized as they recover from their injuries. We are profoundly thankful for the courage, professionalism, and sacrifice shown by the first responders who answered the call that day.
We also want to share that two of our owners, Jim Robbins and Alden Robbins, along with family member Lily Robbins, are receiving excellent care at Massachusetts General Hospital’s world-class burn center. They have a long road to recovery ahead, but they are in the very best hands, and we look forward to their return.
We are incredibly thankful for the support offered by our employees, our industry partners, our customers, our community, and so many others who have reached out with encouragement and offers to help. Your kindness has meant more than words can express during this difficult time.
We have also received many requests from those wishing to establish fundraising efforts for our family. While we are deeply touched by this generosity, we respectfully ask that any contributions instead be directed to your local fire department or to the Shriners in honor of the firefighters and families impacted by this tragedy.
Robbins Lumber has stood strong since 1881. While this is an unimaginable tragedy, our commitment to our people, our customers, and our future remains unwavering. We are fully committed to rebuilding and moving forward together.
At this time, we are working closely with investigators and fully cooperating as they conduct their review of this horrific event. Out of respect for that process and for all those affected, we will not be commenting further on the circumstances of the incident until more information can be made available.
Thank you again for your compassion, your patience, and your continued support as we navigate the difficult days ahead.
Catherine Robbins-Halsted and the Robbins Family.
FUNDRAISERS
As eight victims of the tragedy remain hospitalized, fundraising efforts continue. Here is a link to a story about those victims and the fundraising efforts.
https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2026/05/18/fundraisers-launched-as-8-remain-hospitalized-days-after-fire-explosion-at-maine-lumber-mill/?p1=hp_secondary
Much more to follow.
REMEMBERING SAN ANTONIO FIREFIGHTER SCOTT DEEM-MAY 18, 2017
LINE OF DUTY DEATH-STRIP MALL SHOPPING CENTER
Scott Patrick Deem died on May 18, 2017, from injuries sustained when he was trapped in a structural collapse during a four-alarm shopping center fire. Several other Firefighters were injured in this fire.
On the evening of Thursday, May 18, 2017 the SAFD responded to a fire in a strip mall. Responding companies encountered heavy smoke and fire conditions upon arrival, and a second alarm was requested.
RESPONSE AND MAYDAY:
Firefighter Scott Deem and fellow Firefighter Brad Phipps were ordered to conduct search and rescue operations in the Spartan CrossFit Gym. They entered the gym and immediately began a right hand search of the structure. As they were conducting their search, conditions began to deteriorate very rapidly. A mayday call was sounded, and the Incident Commander was unable to make radio contact with Scott.
Rapid Intervention Teams (RIT) were immediately sent in to conduct search and rescue, but they were unable to find him. The Incident Commander was forced to abandon the search for Scott due to extreme fire conditions, and his body was not recovered until after the fire had been brought under control.
The following is a summary of the ten findings from the final SFMO report, as well as the actions the SAFD has taken:
RADIO TRAFFIC:
San Antonio Fire Dispatch Scanner Audio 1 firefighter killed 4th Alarm Fire LODD
RELATED VIDEO:
https://youtu.be/dJGme2xqxF8?si=1c90Sr1UOu4A7RJt
REPORT SUMMARY:
Report detailing factors that led to firefighter Scott Deem’s death released to public
Take Care. Be Careful. Pass It On.
BillyG
The Secret List 5/18/2026-2009 Hours
www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com
