Dixfield Fire Company

05/26/2026

Hose Testing this morning with Central Maine Hose Testing

05/26/2026

It continues to be a very sorrowful month. The following was as released to Jay Fire and Rescue members yesterday evening, 5/20/26:

"It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that Jay Fire Rescue announces the passing of our brother firefighter, Lance Lemieux.
Lance was a devoted member of our fire family who proudly served the community of Jay with courage, compassion, professionalism, and honor. He stood beside his fellow firefighters with unwavering dedication and commitment, and his service and brotherhood will never be forgotten.
Throughout his battle, Lance showed tremendous strength, determination, and faith. Even during the most difficult times, he continued to inspire those around him with his resilience, positive spirit, and love for his family, friends, community, and the fire service.
His passing leaves a tremendous void within our department, our community, and the Franklin County fire service family.
Please keep Lance’s family, friends, and all members of Jay Fire Rescue in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
Additional information regarding services and arrangements will be shared as they become available.
Rest easy, Brother Lance. Your watch on earth has ended, but your legacy, dedication, and spirit will forever remain a part of Jay Fire Rescue.
“Firefighters never die, they just burn forever in the hearts of the people they saved.”
Rest in peace, Brother Lance."

Thanks for the inspiration to keep going and keep being as mentally and physically strong as possible even when your own body is fighting you. Thanks also for the true devotion to family and fire service with a gentle, positive attitude and willingness to participate in all possible. Thanks for showing the importance of embracing every day as fully as possible. We honor and salute you, Sir.

05/25/2026

Memorial Day remembrance services in Rumford and Mexico this morning.

05/25/2026

05/21/2026

05/20/2026

High Fire Danger - no permits issued.

05/19/2026

Honoring all EMS responders for all you do. Thank you

05/19/2026

It's , and we want to recognize the dedication of so many EMS professionals we have the privilege of working alongside at LifeFlight and all across Maine. We are incredibly proud of our team members who show up every day and night to ensure that everyone, in every community in Maine, has access to the care they need when they need it.

LifeFlight is one part of the EMS system in Maine. We are incredibly grateful for our EMS partners across the state and honored to stand beside you in service to our communities.

This week is a few days of recognition for the time, effort, and compassion you invest 365 days a year, and it is well deserved!

05/19/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2026

Robbins Lumber Fire Investigation Update

Searsmont - Investigators from the Maine Office of State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, To***co, Fi****ms and Explosives (ATF) continued their investigation at the scene of the Robbins Lumber fire and explosion.

Operational activities focused heavily on scene documentation, evidence preservation, aerial mapping, and ongoing witness interviews. Investigators have now conducted more than 50 interviews, with many more to be completed as the investigation progresses. Multiple interviews conducted during the last operational period continue to help investigators better understand the sequence of events surrounding the fire and subsequent explosion.

Investigators also examined similar mill infrastructure and electrical systems to understand the facility layout and operational processes better.

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.

Investigators continue to work closely with Robbins Lumber's administration to support the ongoing investigation and, where appropriate, safely restore portions of the facility. Robbins Lumber has fully cooperated with investigators throughout the process. At this time, portions of the mill can continue operating safely without interfering with investigative operations.

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.

We also continue to monitor and remain mindful of those injured in the incident, including:

Searsmont Fire
Chief James Ames – Released
Assistant Chief Wayne Woodbury – MaineHealth Maine Medical Center

Searsmont EMS
EMS Chief Sarah Tompkins – MaineHealth Maine Medical Center
Liliane Robbins- Massachusetts General Hospital

Belmont Fire
Katherine Paige- MaineHealth Maine Medical Center

Montville Fire
Jacob Spaulding- MaineHealth Maine Medical Center

Lincolnville Fire
Aaron Heald- Released
John Ward - Released

Appleton Fire
Chief Clifton Marriner - Released

Mill Employees
Alden Robbins – Massachusetts General Hospital
James Robbins – Massachusetts General Hospital
Thomas Wolf – MaineHealth Maine Medical Center

Our thoughts remain with the family of Firefighter Andrew Cross, the injured, their families, coworkers, and the communities affected by this incident. The investigation remains active and ongoing.

An in-person media briefing on the Robbins Lumber investigation will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the Searsmont Town Office. Department of Public Safety Commissioner Michael Sauschuck, representatives from the Maine Office of State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, To***co, Fi****ms and Explosives (ATF) will provide an operational update on the investigation.