Searsmont community continues to support firefighters, EMS and families after Robbins Lumber fire
Benefit BBQ and concert planned for Saturday at Riverside Farm
SEARSMONT, Maine (WABI) - The Town of Searsmont is continuing to rally around its firefighters, EMS crews and families impacted by the Robbins Lumber fire and explosion in May, which claimed the lives of two firefighters and a Robbins Lumber owner.
Even as the community grieves, calls for help keep coming in — and volunteer responders say they’re still showing up, often leaving their homes to answer 911 calls in rural Maine.
“We’re all hurting right now for people, and any little bit is a big help,” said Ben Levesque, assistant fire chief of Searsmont.
Levesque said the work is personal — and he hopes people understand what it takes to provide emergency response in a small town.
“I think a lot of people don’t really understand when they dial 911 in these rural areas that there’s no one here. You know, we’re coming from home,” Levesque said.
Town officials have organized multiple fundraisers for the departments and victims, while also trying to keep up with equipment needs following losses from the fire.
“When we lost the truck, we lost much more than just a truck… what we lost was all of the equipment that was inside of that truck,” said Daniel Quintanilla.
Benefit BBQ and concert Saturday
Organizers say the Searsmont Strong Benefit BBQ and Concert at Riverside Farm this Saturday will continue that support — while also giving the community a chance to come together.
“Not only are we helping out the departments, but we’re also thanking everybody for what they’re doing,” said Gail Gary-Cox, the town administrative assistant and treasurer.
The event will include:
- Free food
- Live music
- More than 30 raffle prizes for kids and adults (including a new car)
- Cards available to sign for two Searsmont firefighters still recovering
Local leaders say healing will take time, but they hope a large turnout will help sustain responders and support the town’s future.
To keep up with the fundraiser and ways to give back to the Searsmont community follow their Facebook page.
You can also follow this link to the towns website for further information.
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