Assistant fire chief dies a month after blast

Wayne Woodbury, 76, died Sunday at Maine Medical Center in Portland from injuries sustained in the May 15 Robbins Lumber fire and explosion in Searsmont, Maine—leaving the incident with two firefighter deaths and an ongoing investigation.

When firefighters and emergency crews converged on Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, Maine, on May 15, 2026, the explosion that followed took lives fast. A month later, the toll kept climbing.

Wayne Woodbury, 76, the assistant chief of the Searsmont Fire Department, died Sunday morning at Maine Medical Center in Portland, according to a press release from the Maine Office of State Fire Marshal. He had been suffering from injuries he sustained in the blast at the lumber mill.

Gov. Janet Mills said Woodbury’s death marked a final. tragic consequence of a night that already cost the community two firefighters. “Wayne gave his life to protect his community. and his sacrifice and example will never be forgotten. ” Mills said in a statement. She added that. on behalf of the people of Maine. she extended “the deepest condolences” to the Searsmont Fire Department. his community. and everyone affected by “this devastating loss.”.

With Woodbury’s passing, the explosion now has two firefighter fatalities tied directly to the incident. The blast killed 27-year-old Andrew Cross, of the Morrill Fire Department, and injured 12 others. Those injured included members of the family that operates the lumber mill.

The Office of State Fire Marshal said the investigation into the fire remains ongoing. Authorities previously determined in late May that the fire and subsequent explosion were accidental and originated at the base of a silo. where rapid ignition of particulate material caused a blast powerful enough to lift the structure from its foundation.

For the fire service, Woodbury’s death has landed like another blow in an already impossible sequence. The Thorndike Fire Department said in a Facebook post shared Sunday afternoon that his passing is being felt “throughout the fire service.” The department wrote that Woodbury’s “courage. dedication. and selfless service” will never be forgotten. and said his commitment to protecting others “exemplified the very best of the fire service.” The department said details about funeral arrangements and honors would be available later. and ended its message: “Rest easy. Assistant Chief Wayne Woodbury. Your watch is over. We have it from here.”.

Across political lines, U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree also mourned Woodbury Sunday. In a message on social media. Pingree said Woodbury “answered the call to serve his neighbors in a moment of crisis. ” adding that his “courage and dedication will not be forgotten.” Pingree also expressed support for the Robbins family as they recover in Boston from serious injuries sustained in the explosion.

Alden Robbins, James Robbins, and Searsmont EMS member Liliane Robbins were hospitalized at Massachusetts General Hospital following the fire, according to a statement from the family.

Pingree wrote that the tragedy has touched “so many families across Waldo County,” and that “all of Maine is grieving alongside them.”

The facts of the night remain under investigation. but the human arc is already clear: the May 15 explosion killed one firefighter immediately. injured many more. and then—after weeks of recovery that were not enough—took another. For a small community built around mutual aid and first-responder bonds. the loss does not end when the flames are out.

Wayne Woodbury Searsmont Fire Department Maine Office of State Fire Marshal Robbins Lumber lumber mill explosion Andrew Cross Morrill Fire Department Janet Mills Chellie Pingree Massachusetts General Hospital Waldo County