Fundraisers launched as 8 remain hospitalized after Maine lumber mill explosion

Multiple first responders, firefighters, and the mill’s owners are still hospitalized after the massive fire and explosion at a lumber mill in rural Maine, state officials said.

The May 15 explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, Maine killed one firefighter, 27-year-old Andrew Cross, and injured 12 others people, Maine’s Department of Public Safety confirmed Monday night. 

The community has raised more than $30,000 through a GoFundMe to support the first responders, with a $40,000 goal.

Investigators with the state’s Office of State Fire Marshal and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives are investigating the fire. Strong winds have at times interrupted the investigation and caused “flying debris,” with one ATF investigator sustaining a minor injury related to the “difficult site conditions,” state officials said Monday. Robbins Lumber is fully cooperating with investigators, and portions of the mill can operate safely while the investigation continues, officials said.

“Operational activities focused heavily on scene documentation, evidence preservation, aerial mapping, and ongoing witness interviews,” an update from the fire marshal’s office said. “Investigators also examined similar mill infrastructure and electrical systems to understand the facility layout and operational processes better.”

Two mill owners, family member hospitalized

Two of the mill’s owners — Alden and James Robbins – are both hospitalized at Massachusetts General Hospital, officials said Monday night. Searsmont EMS member Liliane Robbins, who is a family member of the Robbins family, is also hospitalized at Massachusetts General Hospital’s burn center, the family said.

“They have a long road to recovery ahead, but they are in the very best hands, and we look forward to their return,” the family said. 

The Robbins family declined to accept fundraising or donations for their family.

“While we are deeply touched by this generosity, we respectfully ask that any contributions instead be directed to your local fire department or to the Shriners in honor of the firefighters and families impacted by this tragedy,” the family said in a statement.

Local farmer, young volunteer firefighter among those still hospitalized

Searsmont Fire Assistant Chief Wayne Woodbury, Searsmont EMS Chief Sarah Tompkins, Belmont firefighter Katherine Paige, Montville firefighter Jacob Spaulding, and mill employee Thomas Wolf are all still hospitalized at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center, the Department of Public Safety said.

Paige, who is also a lieutenant firefighter in Northport, has “many surgeries ahead,” according to an online fundraiser started by her family. The community has raised nearly $10,000 of a $13,000 goal.

Tompkins is a co-owner of Fine Line Farm in Searsmont, along with her partner Hubert McCabe, who served as a Searsmont Select Board member before resigning after the explosion, the Bangor Daily News reported.

Spaulding, a young volunteer first responder, suffered serious burns. His girlfriend Natalie was at the site of the explosion and drove part of the way to the hospital before an ambulance met them.

“Jacob now faces a long and challenging road to recovery, but we are thankful that with time he will be ok,” a fundraiser for his medical bills said.

Four firefighters, mill employee released from hospital

Five people have been released from the hospital, including Searsmont Fire Chief James Ames, Lincolnville firefighter Aaron Heald, Appleton Fire Chief Clifton Marriner, and mill employee John Ward, according to the Department of Public Safety.

Heald suffered burns to his hands, according to Bryan Clement, an organizer of the group GoFundMe. 

“His recovery is going to take a couple months before he is able to go back to work,” Clement wrote. “The Town of Lincolnville is covering the entirety of his medical costs and financially he said he is going to be perfectly fine until he goes back to work, so he has deferred his share of the gofundme to the many others who need it.”

Molly Farrar is a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, focusing on education, politics, crime, and more.