The Fire at Robbins Lumber Mill in Searsmont, Photo Provided by Department of Public Safety, Augusta..
Investigators from the Maine Office of State Fire Marhsal and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) continue their investigations at the scene of the Robbins Lumber fire and explosion according to a press release received late this afternoon.
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 interiews 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 processing better.
High winds throughout the day created difficult working conditions on scene, resulting in flying debris and periodic interruptions to investigative operations. Drone operation 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 ongoig 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 last week 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: APPLETON FIRE: Chief Cliffton Marriner, Released. SEARSMONT FIRE: Chief James Ames, Released; Assistant Chief Wayne Woodbury, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center. SEARSMONT EMS: EMS Chief Sara Tompkins, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center, Lilliane Robbins, Massachusetts General Hospital. BELMONT FIRE: Katherine Paige, MaineHeath Maine Medical Center; MONTVILLE FIRE: Jacob Spaulding, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center. LINCOLNVILLE FIRE: Aaron Head, Released. MILL EMPLOYEES: Alden Robbins, Massachusetts General Hospital, James Robbins, Massachusetts General Hospital, Thomas Wolfe, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center, John Ward, Released.
Our thoughts remain with the family of deceased Firefighter Andrew Cross, the injured, their families, coworkers and the communities affected by thie incident. The investigation remains active and ongoing.