Published • loading... • Updated
Explosion, Raging Fire Reported at Maine Lumber Mill
Waldo County officials said at least 5 people were injured as crews responded to the blaze and investigated a possible gas leak.
- Emergency crews responded Friday morning to an explosion and massive fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, a town of about 1,500 people near Portland, as The Maine Fire Marshals Office and multiple fire departments declared a mass casualty incident.
- Purchasing manager Ben Hamel said the fire started in an area where wood shavings are packed in plastic bags, then spread to a nearby silo filled with dust that exploded. A significant amount of gas was present at the site.
- Waldo County officials reported at least five people injured as of midday Friday, with one burn victim transported to Augusta hospital by ambulance crew. About a dozen firefighters at the scene may also be injured.
- Authorities said they are still investigating the cause of the blast as Governor Janet Mills, D-Maine, urged residents to stay clear of the area. Route 131 was closed at the intersection of School Street and Ghent Road.
- Robbins Lumber, a family-owned firm since 1881, operates in Maine's lumber industry which contributed more than $8 billion to the state's economy in 2024 and provides about 29,000 jobs. The incident impacts a critical sector for rural Maine.
Insights by Ground AI
27 Articles
27 Articles
Crews battling major fire after explosion at Maine lumber mill - Boston News, Weather, Sports
Several crews responded to a major fire after an explosion at a lumber mill in Searsmont, Maine, on Friday. Searsmont is located between Augusta and Bangor. Maine Governor Janet Mills said she’s been briefed on the situation and urges people to avoid the area.
·Boston, United States
Read Full Article
Associated Press News+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Maine lumber mill explosion injures several as firefighters respond to roaring blaze
Emergency responders in Maine are at the scene of a large fire and explosion at a lumber mill in a small town in the state’s scenic midcoast region where several people are injured.
·United States
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources27
Leaning Left4Leaning Right2Center20Last UpdatedBias Distribution77% Center
Bias Distribution
- 77% of the sources are Center
77% Center
15%
C 77%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
