Firefighter killed in massive lumber mill explosion in Maine; at least 10 injured
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One firefighter was killed and at least 10 others were injured in a fiery explosion Friday morning at a lumber mill in Maine.
The fallen firefighter was identified as Andrew Cross, 27, with the Morrill Fire Department, News Center Maine reported.
He was honorably transferred Saturday morning from the local medical examiner’s office to a funeral home.
The fire broke out in Searsmont just after 10 a.m. Friday. The Thorndike Fire Department said multiple firefighters and civilians sustained injuries, and fire trucks were destroyed by the flames.
Department of Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss told News Center Maine several other victims were taken to the hospital in critical condition.
One of those injured was identified as Northport Maine Volunteer Fire Department Lt. Katherine Paige.
MAINE STUDENT PASSES OUT, 11 TAKEN TO HOSPITAL AS CAUSE OF ILLNESSES REMAINS UNKNOWN
Maine State Fire Marshal Shawn Esler said during a news conference that it was mostly volunteer firefighters battling the blaze.
“I walked up to this very chaotic scene initially, and not because of the efforts of the first responders, but because of the magnitude of the fire involvement and the amount of sheer buildings that were on fire, faced with the limited resources the fire departments had,” Esler said. “… I saw everybody working hand-in-hand to pull hose lines, to move apparatus, and to 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.”
Camden Fire & Rescue confirmed it has a crew providing assistance.
“Our thoughts are with the injured, medical professionals providing care and first responders working to control the situation,” the department wrote in a statement on Facebook. “We anticipate having personnel committed to helping for several days.”
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Firefighters battle a large fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, Maine, on Friday. (Maine Department of Public Safety via AP)
Ben Hamel, the mill’s purchasing manager, told the Bangor Daily News that the fire started in an area where wood shavings are packaged. The fire then spread to a nearby dust silo, which exploded.
The cause of the fire has not yet been released.
A trooper at the scene told bystanders there was a “major fuel leak” and urged them to move away from the area, according to the outlet.
Multiple fire trucks were spotted at the scene from several volunteer fire departments. (Thorndike Fire Department via Facebook)
Maine Gov. Janet Mills posted on X noting she has been briefed on the unfolding situation.
“I urge folks to stay clear of the area, follow the instructions of law enforcement, and allow emergency personnel to respond,” Mills wrote in a statement on X. “I ask Maine people to join me in keeping all those affected in their thoughts.”
She arrived at the scene Friday night.
Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, added he is “praying for the safety and well-being of first responders and everyone else on-site.”
The cause of the fire is unknown, as of Friday afternoon. (WABI)
“I’m aware of the fire and explosion in Searsmont,” Golden wrote in a post on X. “I ask locals to follow law enforcement instructions, and to look to official channels and trusted sources for more information as it becomes available.”
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Searsmont is a small rural town about 90 minutes northeast of Portland, and about four hours north of Boston.
Maine State Police and the Augusta Fire Department did not immediately respond to additional inquiries from Fox News Digital.
