Fire unfolded at business that has been part of Maine’s forest industry ‘since forever’

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 15, 2026

Forest industry watchers were surprised on Friday as news unfolded of a fire inside a Robbins Lumber facility in Searsmont. Still owned by the same family that founded it on the St. George River in 1881, Robbins Lumber is well respected and well known across the forest industry. Authorities said the explosion and fire, which killed one firefighter and injured at least 10 other people, drew a large emergency response. Robbins Lumber employs more than 200 people. The family-run company has also been involved in advocating for the industry. Former president Jim L. Robbins, whose grandchildren help run the company today, had at one point presided over the Maine Forest Products Council, the New England Lumberman’s Association and the Northeastern Loggers’ Association.