The Office of State Fire Marshal, via the Maine Dept., of Public Safety, provides a Thursday, May 21, 2026 update on its work regarding the May 15, 2026 fire at Robbins Lumber, in Searsmont.

Fire investigators from the Office of State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms 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.