MORRILL, Maine — Communities throughout Maine’s midcoast paid tribute Saturday to a volunteer firefighter who lost his life in a devastating explosion and blaze at a lumber facility that left at least 11 others injured.
Andrew Cross, 27, was remembered with a flower memorial placed at the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department. Emergency responders and residents gathered along highways and local streets Saturday to honor Cross during a procession that carried his body approximately 46 miles from Augusta to a Belfast funeral home. The route deliberately passed through Morrill so community members could show their respects, the fire department announced on Facebook.
According to the state fire marshal’s office, around two dozen fire departments responded to the enormous blaze that consumed a silo at Robbins Lumber in the rural area.
MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland, designated as a Level 1 trauma facility, confirmed Friday it was caring for 10 patients transferred from area hospitals. Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor had treated one patient in critical condition, but that individual was moved to another medical facility, a spokesperson confirmed via email.
Investigators continue examining what sparked the fire. According to its website, Robbins Lumber calls itself a “high-tech lumber manufacturer” operating since 1881 under family ownership for five generations. The facility in Searsmont, a community of roughly 1,500 residents located about 95 miles from Portland, will remain closed indefinitely.
Christian Halsted, speaking for the family, described the fire as a “hugely devastating day for the family” and said they were working with officials during the investigation.
The lumber and wood products sector represents a vital and longstanding Maine industry. According to the Maine Forest Products Council, the industry generated over $8 billion for the state’s economy in 2024 while supporting approximately 29,000 jobs.
