PORTLAND, Maine — The co-owner of a Maine lumber mill has succumbed to injuries he received during a catastrophic fire and explosion at his family’s facility, pushing the total number of deaths connected to the disaster to three.
Alden J. Robbins passed away Thursday from injuries he sustained in the May 15 fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, according to statements released Friday by Maine Gov. Janet Mills and the Robbins family. The fire sent massive columns of black smoke rising into the sky and required a response from hundreds of firefighters dispatched to a rural area of the state.
Two firefighters had previously died from injuries sustained while battling the blaze — Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury, 76, and Andrew Cross, 27, of the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department. Ten people were injured in total, including Robbins’ daughter Lily.
The Robbins family released a heartfelt statement about their loss. “Alden was the heart of our family in so many ways, and nothing mattered more to him than the people he loved,” the family said. “Throughout his battle, he fought with extraordinary courage and determination, holding on so that his family could have precious time with him. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by those who loved him.”
Investigators are still working to determine the full circumstances of the fire, though authorities have confirmed it was accidental and started at the base of a silo. The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office reported that a rapid ignition of particulate material triggered an explosion inside the silo, causing it to lift off its concrete base and release large quantities of sawdust and other materials. The silo then fell over, and the surrounding area was quickly consumed by flames.
Gov. Mills described Robbins as a longtime leader in Maine’s lumber industry, calling him “a devoted steward of one of our state’s most storied businesses.” She also expressed her condolences to his family. “My heart is with his family, including his father and former company President James Robbins, Alden’s wife, Amy, and their six children,” Mills said. “I ask Maine people to join me in keeping the Robbins family and all impacted by this tragedy in their hearts and in their prayers during this difficult time.”
