Mexico, Maine Fire Department

06/12/2026

Congratulations to our very own Ivan Goodney!
Keep up the great work and continue to pursue all of your passions in life. We are proud of you!

We’d like to congratulate one of our very own, Ivan Goodney for graduating from mountain valley high school today ! Ivan was a staple in our class for 2 years and will be very missed. He currently serves as a firefighter with mexico fire, we are incredibly proud of him and know he’ll go far !

Congratulations Ivan ! R9 Fire science will miss you !

05/26/2026

FMO Releases Preliminary Findings in Robbins Lumber Fire and Explosion Investigation

FMO Investigators and ATF Special Agents worked throughout the Memorial Day weekend at the scene of the Robbins Lumber fire and explosion in Searsmont. During that time, personnel paused to honor Morrill Firefighter Andrew Cross and remember military members who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.

The Office of State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, To***co, Fi****ms and Explosives National Response Team began demobilization operations on Monday following completion of the initial scene examination. While the on-scene phase of the investigation concluded, the investigation itself remains active and ongoing. Over the weekend, crane operations were completed to lift and move the silo structure, allowing investigators access to areas critical to the scene examination and the evidence recovery effort.

Based on the information obtained to date, the cause of the fire is considered accidental. Investigators believe the fire originated in the area of the unloader mechanism at the base of the silo. Before fire suppression operations could fully contain the smoldering fire, a rapid ignition of suspended particulate material resulted in an explosion within the silo. Investigators determined during the explosion that the silo lifted from its concrete base, releasing large amounts of sawdust and additional particulate material. The silo then toppled over, at which point the surrounding area became rapidly engulfed in fire. The fire rapidly spread to adjacent buildings and structures within the mill complex, contributing to the extensive damage to multiple buildings.

In the coming months, investigators will return to the facility to conduct a more detailed examination of the unloader systems, which may include additional testing in coordination with insurance representatives and additional technical experts to further identify a cause. 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 investigation is expected to remain open while follow-up analysis, testing, reports, and coordination continue. Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) requests related to the investigation will be directed to the ATF. The Office of State Fire Marshal will be coordinating with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) regarding firefighter safety and has initiated the line-of-duty death review processes.

Additionally, investigators learned through interviews that John Ward, initially identified as a mill employee, responded as a member of the Lincolnville Fire Department, and was not affiliated with the mill.

Our thoughts remain with Firefighter Cross’s family, fellow firefighters, and the injured individuals continuing their recovery.

05/20/2026

Congrats!!!!! We’re so proud of you!

Ladies and gentlemen I am remarkably proud to announce that we have added 2 certified firefighters to river valley fire departments.

Firefighter Zion Croteau of Newry Fire

Firefighter Ivan Goodney of Mexico Fire

Congratulations guys ! We are all incredibly proud of you.

05/18/2026

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.

05/16/2026

The members of Mexico Fire wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of fallen Firefighter Andrew Cross of the Morrill Vol. Fire Department who made the ultimate sacrifice at yesterday’s incident in Searsmont. May Firefighter Cross’s dedication and sacrifice never be forgotten.

05/16/2026

Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters in Searsmont and surrounding communities. This is a devastating loss to the Maine Fire Service as a whole. Thoughts and healing wishes to those still fighting in various hospitals throughout the state. 💔

05/14/2026

Congratulations to Jamee Theriault for her promotion to Captain with the Mexico Fire Department.

Jamee has demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and commitment to service throughout her years with our department. Since joining in 2001 she has served various roles including Lieutenant, Training Officer, Fire Prevention, Treasurer, Secretary, & many other community activities. Recently she completed her MFS&I Pro-board Instructor 1&2 course.

This promotion reflects Jamee’s strong leadership skills, operational knowledge, and commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our community.

Congratulations Captain Theriault!

05/14/2026

The Mexico Fire Department is honored to welcome three new Junior Firefighters: Isabella Derouche, Allen Tuttle, and Riley Windover. They join the ranks of other Junior Firefighters, including Gavin Glover and Brody Chartier.

The Junior Firefighter program is a great asset to our department with training new firefighters for the future of Mexico Fire!

05/13/2026

We're hiring! We currently have openings for a full-time Paramedic as well as a Hybrid Paramedic position with our Community Paramedicine Program.

Our hybrid position works day-time hours providing in-home care as a "Community Paramedic" along with a regular ambulance shift.

Our regular full-time Paramedic position works a regular 24-hour shift on a rotating basis with 48 and 96 hours off between shifts.

To apply, visit our website www.med-careambulance.com and click "Apply Now" to fill out an application.