Union Fire-Rescue

05/25/2026

Linda Moutainland a Union, Maine resident and a very big supporter of Union Fire-Rescue will hosting a fundraiser event, all proceeds will be going to the ones impacted by the Robbins Lumber Fire. Stop in, get some food, and say hello to your local Fire-Rescue personal.

05/24/2026

Burn permits may be obtained. Burning can be conducted between 9am-11pm.

05/22/2026

Robbins Lumber Fire Investigation Update

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Searsmont - Fire investigators from the Office of State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, To***co, Fi****ms and Explosives continue their investigation at the scene of the Robbins Lumber fire and explosion in Searsmont.

Today’s work focused on interviews, scene excavation, and evidence recovery. Investigators also continued examining the facility’s fire suppression systems and related infrastructure as part of the ongoing origin and cause investigation.

Investigators have now sifted through hundreds of cubic yards of sawdust and debris by hand and with heavy equipment in an extremely labor-intensive operation. Crews continue to carefully excavate material within the silo areas to preserve and document potential evidence. One crane arrived on scene today, and a second crane required for planned lifting operations involving the silo structure is expected to arrive on Friday. Crews also spent the day conducting preparatory work and evaluating site safety ahead of the lifting operation.

This evening, investigative personnel will attend a memorial honoring Morrill Firefighter Andrew Cross. We continue to extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, fellow firefighters, and all those affected by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers remain with those still hospitalized.

Additional updates will be released as appropriate.

05/21/2026

High Fire danger, no permits will be issued

05/20/2026

High Fire danger, no permits will be issued.

05/19/2026

Tonight members trained on drafting, using hand lines, and supplying another truck with water. All members rotated trough stations to be efficient with all operations.

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.

05/18/2026

05/18/2026

Fire danger is high, permits will not issued. No burning may be conducted.