Federal report says firefighting tactics at Maine lumber mill explosion aided the blast
Federal investigators said water and foam into an oxygen-limiting silo likely ignited sawdust, killing 3 people and injuring at least 13.
- On May 15, 2026, an explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, Maine, killed three people and injured at least 13 others, triggering a response of 299 firefighters across four counties.
- A federal report released this month from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health suggests firefighter tactics inadvertently caused the blast by spraying water into an oxygen-limiting silo.
- Liberty Fire Chief Bill Gillespie, who lost two team members, described the report's blame as jarring, stating it was difficult to go from "hero to zero" overnight.
- Robbins Lumber representatives stated they are working with industry experts to rebuild facilities and exceed current safety standards, while Maine State Federation of Fire Fighters President Ken Desmond urged focus on prevention.
- The Maine Fire Chiefs' Association is partnering with state organizations to draft legislation aimed at preventing future silo catastrophes, as the federal report emphasizes fire departments require more training.
28 Articles
28 Articles
Firefighting Tactics May Have Caused Lumber Mill Explosion
Firefighters who responded to a deadly fire at a Maine lumber mill used tactics that inadvertently helped cause an explosion, according to a report from federal investigators. The May 15 fire and explosion killed three people, including two firefighters, and originated at the base of a silo, Maine authorities have...
Associated Press News
Federal report says firefighting tactics at Maine lumber mill explosion aided the blast
A report from federal investigators says firefighters who responded to a fire at a Maine lumber mill used tactics that inadvertently helped cause a deadly explosion.
Firefighters who responded to an explosion and fire at a sawmill in Maine used tactics that unintentionally aggravated the detonation, according to a report by federal investigators.
Firefighters contain 45,000 litres of diesel, prevent explosion
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) rescued a fuel tanker driver and his mate on Tuesday after their vehicle overturned at Adubili Yili in Tamale, averting what could have been a major disaster. The tanker was carrying about 45,000 litres of diesel when it overturned. Firefighters from the Northern Regional Headquarters Sub-Station responded promptly to the scene. They worked to free the two trapped occupants and safely handed them over to th…
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