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Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Dies After Robbins Lumber Explosion

Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the ATF remain on site as the death raises the tally from the May 15 silo fire and blast.

Overview

  • A May 15 silo fire at the family-owned Robbins Lumber mill led to a blast that killed Morrill volunteer firefighter Andrew Cross and injured about a dozen people.
  • Searsmont assistant chief Wayne Woodbury, 76, who was injured responding to the blaze, died Sunday at Maine Medical Center, the State Fire Marshal’s Office said.
  • Officials say roughly 12 people were hurt in the incident, including six other firefighters, two Searsmont EMS members, two mill co-owners, and a mill employee.
  • A multiagency on-site investigation led by the State Fire Marshal and the ATF is ongoing and has used debris mapping, hand-sifting, cranes and drones while safety conditions have limited some work.
  • Robbins Lumber has paused operations, said it is cooperating with investigators and will pay workers while local fire coverage remains strained and community fundraising supports volunteer departments.