Robbins Mill Fire Investigation: Key Findings So Far

Both state and federal investigators have been at the site of the Robbins Mill fire and explosion since last week, and while they're still looking into the matter, and will be for some time to come, they believe the fire was accidental in nature and compounded quickly in a series of worst-case scenario events.

According to the Maine Department of Public Safety, Maine Fire Marshal investigators worked alongside federal ATF agents throughout the weekend, sifting through the rubble and then working to remove it, to determine what caused a fire and subsequent explosion at the Robbins Sawmill facility in the Waldo County town of Searsmont.

The blaze and explosion resulted in the serious injury and hospitalization of almost a dozen firefighters and mill personnel, and the death of one volunteer firefighter from Morrill, Andrew Cross. Firefighter Cross was laid to rest on Friday, as the search for answers continued and the scene was cleaned up.

Authorities now believe, based on what they've found so far, that the fire began at the base of the silo, at what's called an 'unloader mechanism.'

Sources online say these mechanisms are designed to keep the woodchips from getting clogged up, so they can be extracted more effectively.

"An unloader mechanism in a wood chip silo is a heavy-duty mechanical system designed to extract compacted wood chips from the bottom or top of a silo. Because wood chips are fibrous, can interlock, and tend to 'bridge' or form blockages, these mechanisms ensure a steady, automated flow into industrial boilers, digesters, or processing lines."

Investigators think the initial fire broke out at the base of the silo, with the unloader mechanism, and spread from there via ignited sawdust and debris, before any kind of fire suppression system sensors were triggered. This contributed to the silo ultimately exploding and being lifted off its concrete base and eventually toppling over, all while spewing out huge quantities of burning debris.

"The fire rapidly spread to adjacent buildings and structures within the mill complex, contributing to the extensive damage to multiple buildings...Investigators also determined the facility’s fire suppression system, which was located near the top of the silo, did not activate because temperatures at that elevation did not reach the activation threshold after the fire originated at the base of the silo."

The Maine Department of Pubic Safety says the investigation will continue into the coming days and months, as authorities further examine the details surrounding the fire, the explosion, and the mechanics of the equipment. They'll be working with insurance adjustors, folks from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), regarding firefighter safety. They have started the review process for the line-of-duty death benefits for Firefighter Cross's family and the many individuals who were catastrophically injured as they responded to the Robbins Mill Fire.

Meanwhile, several of those injured in the blaze and explosion, including multiple firefighters, EMTs, and Robbins Mill owners, continue their recovery efforts at hospital burn units around New England.

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

At last check, Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury, and EMS Chief Sara Tompkins, Belmont Firefighter Katherine Paige, Montville Firefighter Jacob Spaulding, and mill employee Thomas Wolfe were all being treated at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center.

Mill co-owners, Alden and James Robbins, along with family member Lily Robbins (who is herself a volunteer EMS member), are being treated in the burn center at Mass General.

An official fund has been set up, through the Town of Searsmont in collaboration with the Maine Strong Foundation, that is collecting donations, 100% of which will go to help those who were injured in the May 15th disaster. You can click here to contribute to the cause.