From the Office of the State Fire Marshal, May 17:

Sunday morning, Investigators from the Office of State Fire Marshal (FMO) were joined by Special Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Response Team (ATF NRT). Fire investigators from both agencies will conduct a joint scene examination focused on determining the origin and cause of the fire and subsequent explosion.

We recognize the importance of this investigation to the victims, their families, the employees of Robbins Lumber, the local community, and the many agencies involved in the response. We owe the people of Maine a thorough, professional, and methodical investigation. ATF is the only federal agency tasked with fire investigation. Therefore, at our request, the ATF NRT has responded with specialized personnel and resources, including forensic scientists, electrical engineers, computer modeling experts, and additional fire investigation personnel to support complex investigations of this nature.

We expect operations at the scene may continue throughout the week. While investigators remain on scene, the Office of State Fire Marshal will not be conducting in-person media interviews, and the scene will remain secured. Information may periodically be released through the Department of Public Safety and the Office of State Fire Marshal.

We continue to monitor the conditions of patients receiving care at hospitals throughout New England, many of whom remain in critical condition. Our thoughts are with them, their families, and all those impacted by this tragedy.

We also extend our gratitude to the medical teams at MaineHealth Waldo Hospital, MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center, LifeFlight of Maine, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the many healthcare professionals across the region who provided immediate care and continue to support those affected during this difficult time.

The impact of this emergency will be felt for years to come.