SEARSMONT — To date, more than 150 interviews of responders, employees, and victim’s families have been conducted in the wake of a fire and subsequent explosion at Robbins Lumber, Friday morning, May 15, 2026. Investigators have now recorded 299 firefighters and 46 fire departments who responded to Searsmont over the course of 48 hours.

“And we’re still counting,” said Fire Marshal Shawn Esler.

During a May 19, 2026 press conference outside Searsmont Town Office, representatives from the Office of the State Fire Marshal’s Office provided updates to how it is investigating the massive fire that claimed the life of a firefighter and injured a dozen other people. Due to the magnitude of the incident, the FMO requested assistance from Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and explosives, a partnership that they’ve had for decades.

Only hours after the incident occurred, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and explosives national response team had approximately 30 personnel assigned to the case, along with a Searsmont special agent, origin and cause experts, engineers, clerical staff, computer modeling experts, and laboratory personnel. By Saturday morning, ATF had personnel on the ground.

This incident is comparable to the Farmington explosion of 2019 in regards to the county-wide response, not only in the emergency itself, but in the weeks after the destruction, according to Fire Marshal’s Office Deputy Chief Joel Davis. On scene for the State Fire Marshals Office are lead investigator Davis, three sergeants, and 12 of the Office’s 15 investigators from all over the state.

Despite the scale of this incident, the FMO continues to provide fire investigation services statewide while maintaining a professional response here with assistance by ATF, according to Davis.

In the beginning, investigators aimed to ensure that all of the firefighters were accounted for, the recovery of Morrill Volunteer Firefighter Andrew Cross, and to provide a dignified transfer to the Medical Examiner’s Office, in Augusta. They also started the paperwork to line up State and Federal line-of-duty death benefits for Cross’ family.

-Throughout Friday night, investigators monitored the conditions of the injured parties.

-Saturday morning, investigators assessed the scene, developed plans for interviewing firefighters and mill employees. A command post was established.

-Sunday, investigators began the scene investigation. However, high winds were bad and created dangerous conditions. 

-Monday, heavy equipment was brought in, along with drones and mapping technology.

-Tuesday, the heavy equipment was used to move large pieces of metal in the area where the silo stood.

- Wednesday, they plan to bring in large cranes to try to remove the remains of the silo that was at the scene of the incident.

“And the investigators will continue to process the scene carefully, methodically, and safely,” said Davis....“Our mission as investigators, at this point, is to seek answers as to how this fire occurred. "We owe that to the Cross Family and fire service as a whole.”

Maybe if they learn the cause, future education and training can prevent a repeat occurance.

The role of the Office of the State Fire Marshal in this investigation is not to evaluate firefighter tactics or operational decisions, according to Esler. Nor is the FMO the department that is responsible for investigating occupational workplace practices at Robbins Lumber. The Office of the State Fire Marshal does not regulate local fire departments or establish statewide fire-training procedures. Under Maine law, the FMO’s responsibility is to determine the origin and cause of the fire and subsequent explosion.

And that cause has not been determined.

“This remains a very active, complex investigation,” said Esler.

It could take days or months to determine a cause. But, as for on-site work, “We’re hoping to have it wrapped up in days, but wherever it leads us, we’ll take it from there,” said Davis. “We have the resources on site. ATF is committed to staying here for as long as it takes to figure out what’s going on.”

The town is hurting, according to Searsmont Selectman Christopher Staples, but there are a lot of strong people here. Staples said he appreciates everybody who has responded.

“For the last several days, we have seen the very best of Maine,” said Esler. “Waldo Strong is more than a phrase. It’s something you can feel. I saw it in the lines of people honoring Andrew, the food donations delivered to the scene, and the overwhelming support given to first responders and victims’ families.

The governor’s office, congressional delegations, local legislators, national State fire service organizations, Maine Fire Chiefs Association have all reached out, and in some cases already responded with offers of assistance. Apparatus, turnout gear, other support continue to pour in.

“One chief told me that the volume of hugs he’s received has increased significantly in the last several days,” said Esler.

And in return, the region’s outward sentiment has been equally noted.

“The investigators appreciate all of the support as they go eat, have lunch around the area,” said Davis. “People have stepped forward and offered to buy lunch. It’s just been a great outpouring of support.”

Officials encourages people to remain cautious of scams or fraudulent fundraising efforts. Anyone wishing to donate should exercise good diligence and ensure contributions are made to trusted, verified sources.

"One thing we’ve learned, there were a lot of heroics played that day, not just by firefighters, but people that stepped up and did what they did," said Davis.

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com