Investigation Launched Into Devastating Waldo County Mill Fire

The investigation into what caused a lumber mill in Waldo County to go up in flames Friday, claiming the life of one firefighter and injuring almost a dozen people, including first responders and two of the mill's owners, is underway this week.

In a statement on their website on Monday, management at the Robbins Mill in Searsmont disclosed that two of the mill owners, brothers Jim and Alden Robbins, and a family member, Lily Robbins, sustained injuries in Friday's blaze. All of the Robbins family is recovering from their injuries at Massachusetts General Hospital's world-class burn center.

They thanked first responders, industry partners, and the community for their support as well, and encouraged those who want to make donations to seek out verified avenues to do so to benefit the local fire departments that have sacrificed so much.

Robbins Mill Fire, Maine Department of Public Safety

"We are incredibly thankful for the support offered by our employees, our industry partners, our customers, our community, and so many others who have reached out with encouragement and offers to help....We have also received many requests from those wishing to establish fundraising efforts for our family. While we are deeply touched by this generosity, we respectfully ask that any contributions instead be directed to your local fire department or to the Shriners in honor of the firefighters and families impacted by this tragedy."

The Maine State Fire Marshal's office announced over the weekend that the ATF would be joining in the investigation. On Monday, they said that the weather and conditions at the fire scene posed dangerous challenges to their search for answers.

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Major Aaron M. Turcotte of the Maine Department of Public Safety said one investigator was even injured during the process.

"High winds throughout the day created difficult working conditions on scene, resulting in flying debris and periodic interruptions to investigative operations. Drone operations and aerial photography were particularly challenging due to the wind, causing delays in some scene documentation. During the operational period, one ATF investigator sustained a minor injury related to the difficult site conditions. The injury was not serious, and operations continued safely with appropriate precautions in place."

Robbins Mill Investigation, Maine Department of Public Safety

Major Turcotte says over 50 interviews have been conducted so far, and investigators are working to establish a timeline of events, to get a clearer picture of how things unfolded last Friday.

Folks with the Maine Fire Marshal's Office and the ATF have also been looking at the layout of the mill, and its electrical operations, too. Management at the mill has been cooperating in the investigation, working alongside officials to ensure, when and where possible, they can restore some of the mill operations without impeding the investigation.

Newly released information confirms that three local fire departments sustained damage to key firefighting equipment and vehicles, which will definitely impact their abilities to respond to emergencies in the coming days.
Read More: Honor Procession Planned For Fallen Firefighter In Waldo County

"Searsmont, Belmont, and Appleton Fire Departments sustained damage to their fire apparatus during the incident, affecting frontline emergency response capabilities. Mutual aid partners continue to help maintain emergency coverage for the affected communities."

Officials have also released the identities of those who were injured in Friday's fire and explosion at the Robinns Lumber mill.

Robbins Mill Fire, Maine Department of Public Safety

They include Searsmont Fire Chief James Ames, Lincolnville Firefighter Aaron Heard, Appleton Fire Chief Cliffton Marriner, and Robbins mill employee, John Ward, who have all been treated and released.

Those who are still in the hospital at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center include Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury, and EMS Chief Sara Tompkins, Belmont Firefighter Katherine Paige, Montville Firefighter Jacob Spaulding, and mill employee Thomas Wolfe.

The co-owners of the mill, Alden and James Robbins, are being treated in the burn center at Mass General.

Firefighter Andrew Cross, U.S. Senator Susan Collins via Facebook

As reported over the weekend, Montville Firefighter Andrew Cross died while fighting the fire at the mill. His body was identified by the Chief Medical Examiner's office in Augusta on Saturday and then transported to the funeral home in Belfast later that day, with a full hero's procession along the way.