SEARSMONT — Emergency crews from multiple towns across Knox, Waldo, Lincoln, and Kennebec counties converged at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont where an explosion was reported around 10:05 a.m., Friday, May 15, 2026. The Searsmont Fire Department responded initially to a reported fire in the area of a silo at Robbins Lumber. What they encountered, according to Commissioner of Public Saftey Michael Sauschuck, was an “incredibly dynamic and dangerous situation.”

Multiple injuries were reported and patients were transported to local hospitals. MHMMC Portland, which has a Level 1 trauma designation, put teams on standby to treat any patients that might come their way, In a 5:30 p.m. news release, the hospital confirmed that its staff received 10 patients from the Searsmont incident after those patients were initially treated at MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital and MaineHealth Waldo Hospital.

A 6:30 p.m. Dept. of Public Saftey press release noted that one firefighter was located deceased at the scene. According to DPS, the firefighter will be transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta where an autopsy will be performed and positive identification confirmed. Investigators are still working through notifications and confirming information related to those who were injured.

Katherine Robbins-Halsted, vice president of Robbins Lumber and one of the company's three co-owners, made a statement at approximately 1:15 p.m.: "I would like to thank the fire departments for their tremendous response. The most important thing is that all of our employees are accounted for. I would like to thank everybody who has reached out with their thoughts and prayers and offers of help.... All employees, the most important thing, I am so thankful for, are accounted for. Buildings can be replaced. Employees cannot. And the fire departments have done a tremendous job. And I thank them for everything they have done."

Fire Marshal Shawn Esler was the first FMO investigator to arrive on scene. In describing the scene to reporters during a press conference, Estler reminded his audience of the limited resources available to firefighters.

"We’re Waldo County," he said. "Made up of all volunteers. What I saw was professional firefighting efforts. I saw everybody working hand-in-hand, pull those lines, move apparatus. And put water on the fire. I also saw members from State Police, Forest Service and a bunch of various State agencies lending a hand wherever they could."

And donations came in as well. A Totman's towing company flatbed entering the scene did not haul a vehicle; it hauled a bed piled with bottled water. 

Christian Halsted, husband of Katherine Robbins-Halsted, said: "We are one of three families that own and operate Robbins Lumber. Fifth generation. It’s obviously a hugely devastating day for the family. We feel for the first responders. The family. The employees. The mill will not be operating this week as we cooperate with all the investigating agencies that are here to help us figure out what is going on."

The Fire Marshal’s Office, which is based out of the Department of Public Safety, is the lead investigator for this fire. Also helping the investigation are representatives of ATF, OSHA, DEP, Maine State Police, and others.

"We have not even really begun a scene examination, so we do not have a cause at this time...may not have (one) for quite some time," said Esler. "We have a tremendous amount of work to do. But, as the Commissioner noted, the Fire Marshal’s Office’ primary concern right now is cataloging and ensuring those that have sustained injuries as a result of this fire are taken care of."

Sauschuck said that he would have loved to list, and recognize, all of the departments and agencies that responded to the scene. But that cataloging of agencies is extensive. "It’s imperative for us to make sure we give you the right information as early as possible."

The Pen Bay Pilot noted the following, though the list is not complete.

Albion, Forestry and Marine Patrol, Maine State Police and Waldo County Sheriff's Office, Searsport Police Dept. Appleton, Belfast, Troy, Jackson, Montville, West Frankfort, Northport, Augusta EMS, Prospect, Liberty, Belmont, Belfast, Union, Troy, Thomaston, Waldoboro, Unity, Palermo, Maine Health Emergency Health Services ambulance, Morrill, Brooks, North East Mobile Health, Rockland Fire Dept. and EMS, Thorndike, Waldo County Mobile Command Post, EMA, Camden Fire Dept., Rockport, Lincolnville, Union, Hope, LifeFlight.

South Thomaston FD provided station coverage for the Rockland area. Washington FD provided station coverage for Union and Appleton for a few hours before being called to the scene to relieve Rockland, Rockport, and others going home to rest. 

In the 6:30 p.m. news release, Dept. of Public Saftey provided a list of fire departments: 

Assisting agencies included the fire departments of Liberty, Albion, Appleton, Belmont, Camden, Freedom, Hermon, Hope, Jackson, Lincolnville, Montville, Morrill, Northport, Palermo, Prospect, Searsmont, Searsport, Stockton Springs, Thorndike, Union, Unity, Waldo, Warren, West Frankfort, and Whitefield Fire Departments, along with the Maine Forest Rangers, Maine State Police, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, ATF and OSHA. 

South Thomaston FD and St. George FD were called to the scene at approximately 8:30 p.m., and Appleton FD returned, as well, at the same time.

Youtube video by Jared Blackmon.

Reach us at news@penbaypilot.com

This story will be updated when more details become available. Here is a link to video from WABI TV 5.