1 firefighter dead, at least 10 people injured in fire and explosion at Searsmont mill

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 15, 2026

One firefighter was killed and at least 10 people were injured in a fire and explosion at a Searsmont sawmill on Friday that drew a massive response from first responders on the Midcoast and beyond. Emergency crews from throughout the region rushed to Robbins Lumber, where a large plume of black smoke was visible for miles. Multiple firefighters were injured and their equipment caught fire when a silo exploded. Civilians were also injured.