SEARSMONT, Maine — A probe is underway to determine the cause of a silo explosion and massive fire at a Searsmont, Maine, lumberyard that claimed a firefighter and caused injuries to 10 other people, including firefighters.

It is not yet known what started the fire or triggered the explosion at Robbins Lumber. Investigators from the Office of State Fire Marshal (FMO) were joined by Special Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Response Team (ATF NRT). Fire investigators are conducting a joint scene examination focused on determining the origin and cause of the fire and subsequent explosion. 

In recent years, there have been at least three small fires at Robbins Lumber, including a 2019 fire and two fires in 2024. In 2025, OSHA cited Robbins Lumber for failing to follow preventative safety protocols connected to the containment of hazardous energy. That issue was apparently resolved, and it is not known if this fire was in any way connected to those previous events.

Multiple fire departments responded to a reported fire at one of the silos at the lumber mill around 10 a.m. Friday. As firefighters worked to put out the silo fire, an explosion occurred, according to the Maine Department of Public Safety.

Andrew Cross, 27, a Morrill Fire Department firefighter, was found dead at the scene of the fire on Friday morning, according to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta, Maine. Several others who were injured were taken to hospitals around the state. Many of them have serious and critical injuries, according to Department of Public Safety.

One of the first responding agencies was Northport Volunteer Fire Department and, in a social media post, the department confirmed their lieutenant firefighter, Katherine Paige, was one of the people injured in the explosion. In the post, the firefighter's husband said she has a “long recovery ahead.” 

The Thorndike Fire Department said in a Facebook post that multiple firefighters and civilians sustained injuries during the incident. "Multiple maydays have been called, multiple fire trucks have been lost to fire, and units from across the state are either responding or already on scene assisting with operations."

Company co-owner Catherine Robbins-Halstead told news outlets that all employees at the mill were accounted for. "Buildings can be replaced, people cannot," Robbins-Halsted told reporters at the scene Friday.  

The company posted a statement on its website. "Our hearts are with the family of the firefighter who lost his life in service to our community, and with the firefighters who remain hospitalized as they recover from their injuries. We are profoundly thankful for the courage, professionalism, and sacrifice shown by the first responders who answered the call that day."

The company added that two of its owners, Jim Robbins and Alden Robbins, along with family member Lily Robbins, are being treated for burns at the Massachusetts General Hospital’s world-class burn center. "They have a long road to recovery ahead, but they are in the very best hands, and we look forward to their return."