One firefighter killed following massive explosion and fire at Maine lumber facility

SEARSMONT, Maine — One firefighter has been killed, and several others are in critical condition after a large explosion and fire occurred at a Maine Lumber Mill, the State Fire Marshal’s Office reports.

The incident occurred just after 10 a.m. this morning after a fire occurred at a silo at Robbins Lumber on Main Street in the Waldo County town of Searsmont.

Searsmont is located about 40 miles east of Maine’s capital city of Augusta.

While crews began extinguishing efforts on the fire, an explosion occurred, injuring numerous people. As a result, one firefighter was found dead, and several other people were critically injured.

“The incident has been declared a mass casualty event, which, according to the World Health Organization, is characterized by a sudden surge in patients that overwhelms the capacity of local medical resources,” officials said in a statement.

A video taken from a distance showed a giant plume of black smoke billowing into the air as the inferno raged.

Massive plume of smoke after explosion at Maine lumber mill sparks raging blaze

The deceased firefighter will be taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta for identification and an autopsy.

Multiple fire, EMS, emergency management, and law enforcement agencies from surrounding counties and municipalities, as well as state agencies, reported to the scene, including: Albion, Appleton, Belmont, Camden, Freedom, Hermon, Hope, Jackson, Lincolnville, Montville, Morrill, Northport, Palermo, Prospect, Searsmont, Searsport, Stockton Springs, Thorndike, Union, Unity, Waldo, Warren, West Frankfort, and Whitefield Fire Departments, along with the Maine Forest Rangers, Maine State Police, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, ATF and OSHA.

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At this time, the fire has been contained, but the public is urged to stay clear of the area and follow all instructions from emergency personnel on scene as crews continue to work on the scene.

Officials said that updates will be issued as the situation develops.

The incident remains active and under investigation at this time.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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