A fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, Maine, injured at least 10 people Friday, officials said. The blaze was still burning late in the day as firefighters worked amid reports of injuries and lost fire equipment, and the cause remained unknown.
When the first call went out at 10 a.m. Friday, firefighters had to respond to more than smoke at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, Maine. A fire and explosion at the mill left at least 10 people injured, officials said, with the blaze still active late Friday afternoon.
Mike Sauschuck, commissioner of the state Department of Public Safety, said during a news conference that the incident began at the family-owned Robbins Lumber facility. The mill sits about 95 miles from Portland.
Sauschuck said he could not provide the exact number of people hurt, or say where they were working or who they were working for.
MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland, which holds a Level 1 trauma designation, said it was anticipating 10 patients to its emergency department.
On scene, the Thorndike Fire Department said in a social media post that multiple firefighters and civilians were injured. The department also reported that multiple fire trucks were lost to the fire.
Officials said they do not know what caused the fire at this time.
Robbins Lumber owner Catherine Robbins-Halsted said Friday that all of the company’s employees were accounted for.
The mill has been part of Maine’s history for generations. Robbins Lumber, which says it is family-owned, opened in 1881 and manages 30,000 acres of its own forests. The company said that in 1957 the mill “burned to the ground,” before being rebuilt and adding a new sawmill.
The crisis drew messages from state leaders as firefighters from across the region worked to control the scene.
Maine Sen.. Susan Collins said in a social media post that “the Robbins family is beloved in the Searsmont community. and Robbins Lumber is a piece of Maine history.” She added: “I have known the family for many years.. My heart goes out to them. their employees. and the first responders who have come from all over the region to help in the emergency response.. This is a very sad crisis, and all those affected are in my prayers.”
Gov. Janet Mills said she was briefed on the fire and urged civilians to stay clear of the area. “I ask Maine people to join me in keeping all those affected in their thoughts,” she wrote.
As the day stretched on, officials continued to work with incomplete details about the injured and the cause. The blaze remained underway late Friday, leaving first responders to focus on containing the damage and getting hurt people safely into care.
Maine Searsmont Robbins Lumber explosion fire firefighters injuries Susan Collins Janet Mills Robbins-Halsted