SEARSMONT, Me. — Robbins Lumber has resumed full mill operations and began processing orders again on May 26, less than two weeks after an explosion at its Searsmont facility killed one person and injured 12 others, company officials announced.

"Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of our employees and partners, we have worked quickly to restore operations safely and
efficiently," said Catherine Robbins-Halsted, a co-owner and Vice President - Administration, for Robbins Lumber Inc.

The company's coatings facility, located five miles away, was not impacted and continues normal operations. "We are also utilizing our Sanford, Maine, location for warehousing, while our East Baldwin mill has stepped up production efforts to support customer order needs. In addition, we have constructed a temporary warehouse on site to further support shipping and operational continuity.

"We remain committed to providing the quality products and dependable service our customers have come to expect. We are fully operational, ready for your orders, and look forward to continuing to meet your Eastern White Pine needs," she said.

Robbins-Halsted also updated the staus of family member Jim, Alden, and Lily who were injured in the fire and "continue to receive excellent care at Massachusetts General Hospital," she said. "We remain hopeful and encouraged by their progress and look forward to welcoming them back when they are able. We also continue to hold all those recovering and affected by this tragedy in our hearts and thoughts each day."

The Maine State Fire Marshal's Office says the May 15 fire and explosion was considered accidental. Investigators believe the fire originated in the area of the unloader mechanism at the base of the silo. Before fire suppression operations could fully contain the smoldering fire, a rapid ignition of suspended particulate material resulted in an explosion within the silo.

Investigators determined during the explosion that the silo lifted from its concrete base, releasing large amounts of sawdust and additional particulate material. The silo then toppled over, at which point the surrounding area became rapidly engulfed in fire. The fire rapidly spread to adjacent buildings and structures within the mill complex, contributing to the extensive damage to multiple buildings.