Since the Robbins Lumber explosion and fire on May 15, Maine communities have been rallying to support first responders, injured mill employees, and families including the loved ones of Morrill volunteer firefighter Andrew Cross, who died at the scene. 

On May 16, the Town of Searsmont shared a statement on its website from Robbins Lumber about how the devastating explosion at the Robbins Mill has deeply impacted the community.

“We have witnessed an incredible outpouring of support, compassion, and generosity from the people of Searsmont, surrounding communities, first responders, local organizations, and people across the entire State of Maine. In moments like this, we are reminded of the remarkable strength, resilience, and kindness that define our town and our state,” part of the statement said.

The Robbins Lumber fire also demonstrated how mutual aid is critical in these types of emergencies.

A special tribute was made at the Thomaston Select Board meeting on May 28 by Select Board chair Chris Rector who recognized the town’s fire chief, the fire department, and EMS for their response to Searsmont. There was also a moment of silence for firefighter Andrew Cross.

Rector said: “It’s a perfect example of what mutual aid is all about, and what the real community is all about. That’s community with a capital C."

"I just want to call our attention to that, because we often lose sight of the fact that we’re working together in a greater community in addition to the town of Thomaston. Critical emergencies are really – the training, the opportunity to work together, with our fellow firefighters, and EMS is included."

The explosion destroyed multiple fire trucks from various responding departments. Some Southern Maine fire departments have been offering gear.

There have been community fundraisers, such as a spaghetti supper in St. George, that have already taken place, but other events continue to be scheduled along with special promotions in the business community to collect donations for injured first responders and employees, and families.

Below is a current list, as of June 1, of ways to donate including several established relief funds.

Please email news@penbaypilot.com if you have a fundraising event to add to the list and Pen Bay Pilot will update the donation list as new information is received.

Relief Funds

Individual funds established for first responders

• Jacob Spaulding, Montville firefighter.

• Katherine Paige, Belmont and Northport firefighter.

• Andrew Cross’s family: Montville firefighter.

• Sarah Tompkins: Searsmont Fire and Rescue chief, paramedic.

• Tom Wolfe: Searsport Fire and Rescue firefighter.

• “Support Our Firefighters”: donates directly to individuals and families affected by the explosion with priority to First Responders 

General Public Fundraisers

Maine Strong Memorial Foundation: established in response to the Lewiston mass shooting in 2023, is currently collecting donations in an emergency relief campaign for individuals and families affected by the explosion until June 14. Visit mainestrongfoundation.org to donate.

According to The Town of Searsmont website, they support the Maine Strong Memorial Foundation as another trusted option for giving, with the ability to accept online donations and ensure that 100% of funds are shared equally among all responders injured at the Robbins Lumber fire.

Town of Searsmont: Robbins Lumber Fire Relief Fund directly supports local first responders injured in the fire. Donations can be made in person at the Searsmont Town Office, at 37 Main Street, N, Searsmont, or mailed to PO Box 56 Searsmont, ME 04973. (207-342-5411)

Town of Morrill: will be collecting donations for both the Cross Family and the Morrill Volunteer Fire Dept. Donations can be dropped off at 44 Weymouth Rd., Morrill, or mailed to PO Box 59 Morrill, ME 04952. (207-342-3300)

Town of Northport: is collecting donations for firefighter Katherine Paige and her family. Donations can be dropped off or mailed to the Northport Town Office, 16 Beech Hill Road, Northport, ME 04849. Checks should be made out to “Town of Northport” with “Katherine Paige” in the check’s memo line. (207-338-3819)

Business fundraisers

Summer Fundraiser and Summer Special at Mandy Baker Massage in Belfast

In support of the community in the wake of the Robbins Lumber accident in Searsmont, Mandy Baker Massage will be holding the following specials between June 1, 2026 and August 31, 2026. 

For every massage session, $10 will be collated and donations will be made to each of the Fire Departments who have lost vehicles as a result of the explosion. (Searsmont, Belmont and Appleton Fire Departments)

Additionally, any first responder in Waldo and Knox Counties can receive a 60-minute massage for $40, please mention this special when scheduling. 

Mandy Baker Massage is located at 248 Northport Avenue, Belfast. Bookings can be made online at: mandybakermassage.com. Texts are welcome at 207-505-0041

Three Dogs Screen Printing & Embroidery at 33 Moody Drive, Thomaston. Fundraising by sale of support apparel with 100% of the proceeds to support the first responders affected by the fire.

Store is located at 33 Moody Drive, Thomaston. Contact: Heidi Neal at 207-354-5056.

Community Fundraisers

Barbecue fundraiser: Saturday, June 6, 3-6 p.m. at the Union Masonic Lodge, 149 Sennebec Road, Union.  All proceeds will benefit first responders and all the people impacted by the Robbins Lumber Fire.

Menu includes chicken barbecue, potato salad and roll. Games include cornhole, ping pong, horseshoes and gala pit.

Event contact: Linda Mountainland at 207-701-1898.

Reach Sarah Shepherd at news@penbaypilot.com