Fundraising Events Emerge In Searsmont After Fire Tragedy

It's been a little over a month since a massive explosion and fire in Waldo County sent a dozen first responders, and even the property owners, to medical facilities across New England with injuries and burns. The incident at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont also claimed the life of two firefighters, Andrew Cross, a volunteer from Morrill, and Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury.

Woodbury's funeral is scheduled to take place this Wednesday, with a community post funeral gathering at the Searsmont Fire Department immediately following the service.

a fireman's uniform hanging on a rack — Photo by Ken Steele II on Unsplash

There have been Gofundme accounts set up, along with a number of public fundraisers.

A fire department in Connecticut even donated a new E42 pumper truck to the Searsmont Volunteer Fire Department after theirs was destroyed in the explosion.

This Thursday evening at the Brewer Auditorium, the City of Brewer will host the Neighbors Helping Heroes event will take place. 100% of all the donations collected at this event will go to the Waldo County Firefighters Association, to help those first responders who were hurt in the firefighting efforts that day.

The town of Searsmont will host a "Searsmont Strong Benefit Pig Roast & Chicken BBQ" at the Riverside Farm on July 25th that will benefit the Searsmont victims of the Robbins Lumber Fire.

a group of people in black and white clothes with white hats and black and white hats on — Photo by Jean Papillon on Unsplash

One of those firefighters injured was Belmont Firefighter Katherine Paige. Paige is currently recovering at Maine Medical Center.

Her husband, Lieutenant Paul Paige of the Belmont Fire Department, has been documenting her progress via social media.

Paige had just been named Firefighter of the Year in 2025.

A GoFundMe page was started for her after the incident. And along with donations, she has been getting a pretty steady stream of flowers sent to the hospitals by those who want to lift her spirits. But that might be doing more harm than good, according to her husband.

Lt. Paige shared his appreciation for all of the support for his wife, but is asking folks refrain from sending flowers, as they are dangerous for burn victims.

In fact, he says while very beautiful and very thoughtful, the flowers have created an issue with the healing of her hands, causing bacteria to grow there, so he has a suggestion of an alternative way folks can show they're rooting the firefighters on.

"Lots of people have reached our wanting to send flowers to Katie,they are toxic to burn patients, so instead consider a donation to [your] local fire Department in Katie's name she would be very happy knowing people cared about her.Thank you."

There's also a dinner and auction to benefit both Paige and Woodbury's families scheduled to take place this Sunday. For more information on that, you can click here.