Portland Fire Department helps families of victims injured in Searsmont lumber mill explosion

PORTLAND, Maine (WMTW) - Five of the 12 people who were injured in the fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont were still being treated at Maine Medical Center in Portland as of Tuesday.

The families of firefighters Jacob Spaulding and Katie Paige are sharing updates as they receive care in the burn unit at Maine Medical Center. Behind the scenes, the Portland Firefighters Children’s Burn Foundation is assisting those families by providing them with meals and housing so they can stay close to their loved ones during their recovery in the hospital.

“While these families are here, they don’t even think about where they’re staying tonight. They don’t have to think about how they’re getting to and from their hotel. They don’t have to think about where their next meal is coming from. They are just allowed to sit and be by their family’s side when needed and helping them to get through this horrible time of their lives,” said Portland Fire Chief Chad Johnston.

The foundation’s work goes well beyond hotel stays and meals. The nonprofit organization also offers long-term support, especially for the children.

“They’re going to be growing, so that’s going to require years and years and dozens and dozens of surgeries and skin grafts, and specialized equipment,” said Portland Firefighter Justin Greenlaw, a board member of the Portland Firefighters Children’s Burn Foundation. “It’s a constant burden, financially.”

The foundation offers summer and winter camps where children from all over the world are invited to participate.

“With burn survivors, especially children, children want to be with other children,” Greenlaw said. “It gives them a chance to be with other kids that have had identical, similar or semi-similar events that occurred that caused their burns. Just be kids, normal kids, and have fun with each other.” You can visit the Portland Firefighters Children’s Burn Foundation website to learn about upcoming events and how you might be able to help in the organization’s fundraising efforts.

Firefighter killed in the explosion

Morrill Firefighter Andrew Cross, 27, was found dead at the Robbins Lumber mill after a burning silo exploded the morning of May 15.

The 12 people who were injured in the explosion and fire include seven firefighters from various departments, two members of Searsmont Emergency Medical Services, one Robbins Lumber employee and two co-owners of the company.

The injured firefighters include Paige, a member of the Belmont and Northport fire departments; Spaulding, a member of the Montville fire department; Searsmont Fire Chief James Ames; Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury; and Lincolnville firefighters Aaron Heald and John Ward.

The others injured in the explosion are Searsmont Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Chief Sara Tompkins; Robbins Lumber President James A. Robbins; Robbins Lumber Vice President of Sales Alden Robbins; Searsmont EMS volunteer Lily Robbins, the daughter of Alden Robbins; and Robbins Lumber employee Thomas Wolfe.