Fire unfolded in mill that has been part of Maine’s forest industry ‘since forever’

May 16, 2026 - 00:49

An explosion and subsequent fire tore through a Robbins Lumber facility in Searsmont on Friday, sending multiple firefighters and civilians to the hospital, according to local officials. The mill, a fixture in the region's forest products industry for generations, was engulfed in flames late in the afternoon, triggering a large emergency response from surrounding towns.

Authorities reported that the initial blast caused significant structural damage and ignited a fast-moving fire that took hours to bring under control. Several firefighters were treated for injuries sustained while battling the blaze, and a number of mill employees were also hurt. The exact number of casualties and the severity of their injuries have not been fully released, though officials confirmed that all were transported to area hospitals for evaluation.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. Robbins Lumber has operated in Searsmont for decades, serving as a key employer and a symbol of Maine's deep-rooted logging and milling heritage. Residents described the mill as a place that has been part of the community "since forever," making the incident particularly jarring for the small town. State fire investigators are expected to remain on site for several days to determine what sparked the blast. The facility will remain closed until further notice as the probe continues.