Investigators from the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have determined that the massive fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber was accidental, with the fire originating at the base of a silo.
The joint investigation team worked throughout the Memorial Day weekend at the scene in Searsmont. Operations included crane work to lift and reposition the damaged silo structure, which allowed investigators critical access for examination and evidence recovery. Demobilization of the on-scene team began on Monday, though the overall investigation remains active and ongoing.
According to preliminary findings, the fire started in the area of the unloader mechanism at the base of the silo. Before firefighters could fully contain the smoldering fire, suspended particulate material inside the silo ignited rapidly, triggering an explosion. The force of the blast lifted the silo off its concrete base, releasing large quantities of sawdust and other material. The silo then toppled over, igniting the surrounding area and causing the fire to spread quickly to adjacent buildings and structures throughout the mill complex. This sequence resulted in extensive damage to multiple structures at the facility.
Investigators noted that the facility’s fire suppression system, located near the top of the silo, did not activate. Temperatures at that elevation never reached the activation threshold because the fire began at the base.In the coming months, the team plans to return to the site for a more detailed examination of the unloader systems. This phase may include additional testing conducted in coordination with insurance representatives and technical experts to further pinpoint the precise cause.
The investigation will remain open as follow-up analysis, laboratory testing, and reporting continue. Any Freedom of Access Act requests related to the case have been directed to the ATF. The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office is also coordinating with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) on firefighter safety issues and has begun the formal line-of-duty death review process.
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