Robbins Lumber fire originated near unloader mechanism, deemed accidental

SEASMONT, Maine (WABI) - The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office has released some preliminary details on the investigation into a fatal fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont just over a week ago.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office and federal investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are still working to determine what led to the explosion, which killed Morrill firefighter Andrew Cross and injured 12 others.

Officials say the remains of the silo where the fire originated were lifted over the weekend, allowing investigators to survey critical areas.

Investigators believe the fire started near the unloader mechanism at the base of the silo. Officials say that before fire suppression crews could fully contain the smoldering fire, airborne sawdust rapidly ignited, triggering an explosion inside the silo.

Investigators say the explosion lifted the silo from its concrete base, releasing large amounts of sawdust. The silo then toppled over and the surrounding area quickly caught fire. The blaze spread to nearby buildings and structures within the mill complex, causing extensive damage to multiple buildings.

Investigators also found the facility’s 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 began at the base of the silo.

The investigation remains active. Investigators say they expect to return to the facility in the coming months for additional testing, including a more detailed examination of the unloader systems.

The Office of State Fire Marshal will also 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.

They also clarified that John Ward, who was initially identified as a mill employee, responded as a member of the Lincolnville Fire Department and was not affiliated with the mill.