The assistant chief of the Searsmont Fire Department has died in the hospital, weeks after he was injured in the fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber in Maine.Wayne Woodbury, 76, died Sunday morning at Maine Medical Center in Portland, according to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.Sister station WMTW reports that Woodbury was among 12 people who were injured in the May 15 fire and explosion at the family-owned lumber mill, which killed Morrill Firefighter Andrew Cross. Eight other first responders were injured in the incident, along with two co-owners of Robbins Lumber and an employee of the mill.”The Office of State Fire Marshal extends its sincere condolences to his family, friends, and the members of the Searsmont Fire Department during this difficult time,” the agency said in a statement. What caused the explosion?On May 26, the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office shared the preliminary findings made by state investigators and investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) as to what caused the fire and explosion.Investigators believe the fire started in the area of the unloader mechanism at the base of a silo. Before the fire suppression operations could fully contain the smoldering fire, suspended particulate material rapidly ignited and caused an explosion within the silo.According to investigators, the silo lifted from its concrete base during the explosion, releasing large amounts of sawdust and additional particulate material. The silo then toppled over, at which point the surrounding area became rapidly engulfed in flames.The fire then spread rapidly to adjacent buildings and structures within the Robbins Lumber complex, contributing to the extensive damage to multiple buildings.Investigators also determined the facility’s fire suppression system, which was located near the top of the silo, did not activate because the temperature at that elevation did not reach the activation threshold.Officials said that based on the information obtained during the initial scene examination, the cause of the fire is considered to be accidental.While the initial on-scene phase of the investigation is over, the State Fire Marshal’s Office said the investigation into the fire and explosion remains active and ongoing. Investigators will return to Robbins Lumber in the coming months to conduct a more detailed examination of the unloader systems, which may include additional testing in coordination with insurance representatives and additional technical experts to further identify a cause.The State Fire Marshal’s Office also said the investigation is expected to remain open while follow-up analysis, testing, reports and coordination continue. The state agency also said it will be coordinating with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) regarding firefighting safety, and that it has already initiated the line-of-duty death review processes.More about Firefighter CrossCross, 27, was found dead at the Robbins Lumber mill after the burning silo exploded the morning of May 15.A graduate of Belfast Area High School, Cross was a member of the high school soccer team, baseball team and National Honor Society.He went on to earn an associate of science degree in mechanical technology at Washington County Community College with certificates in heavy equipment operation and as an engine specialist.Cross worked at Bath Iron Works as an outside machinist and would have celebrated his seventh anniversary with the company on Wednesday, May 20.”We are grateful for his dedication and commitment to his community and to his country, and we are deeply saddened by his passing,” Bath Iron Works said in a statement previously shared with Maine’s Total Coverage.Cross owned his own business, A.R. Cross Trucking, and did earthwork, plowing and mowing for people in surrounding communities. He also plowed roads for the town of Morrill in addition to being a member of the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department.According to his obituary, Cross loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter, fisherman and snowmobiler.”Andrew treasured his time at camp in Bingham and Madagascal Pond, riding the snowmobile trails in northern Maine, and visiting family in Vermont. He recently purchased a home where he loved having family and friends gather for a big meal and share laughter and lots of stories,” Cross’ family wrote in the obituary. “He was always ready to give a helping hand to others, and he had a smile that instantly endeared him to everyone he met.”Cross is survived by his parents, Donald and Laurie Cross; his sisters, Whitney Cross and Lindsey Cross; and his grandmother, Beverly Young. He was also very close to his aunts and uncles, as well as his extended family of cousins, whom he considered to be “bonus brothers and sisters,” according to the obituary.A public visitation was held on May 21 at the Riposta Funeral Home in Belfast. A memorial service limited to family, friends and a select number of fire departments was held May 22 at Veracity Chapel in Morrill.Injured first respondersWoodbury was one of seven firefighters who were injured in the fire and explosion. Two members of Searsmont Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were also injured in the Robbins Lumber incident.Belmont Firefighter Katie Paige was transported to Maine Medical Center, where she was in a medically induced coma and was being treated for severe burns to her hands and face, according to her husband. Paige was named Belmont’s Firefighter of the Year in 2025 and is also a member of the Northport Fire Department. On June 6, Paige’s husband shared on Facebook that Katie was showing progress in her recovery.Searsmont Fire Chief James Ames was injured and has since been released from hospital care.Searsmont EMS Chief Sara Tompkins has been hospitalized at Maine Medical Center, while Searsmont EMS volunteer Lily Robbins, the daughter of Robbins Lumber co-owner Alden Robbins, has been receiving treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital with her father and uncle, James A. Robbins.Montville Firefighter Jacob Spaulding has been hospitalized at Maine Medical Center. A GoFundMe page has been created to help Spaulding’s family with medical bills. According to the page, Spaulding now faces a long and challenging road to recovery, but he is expected to be OK.Lincolnville Firefighter Aaron Heald, 20, was taken to Maine Medical Center to receive treatment. Heald has been released from the hospital and the Lincolnville Fire Department welcomed him home on May 17.Appleton Fire Chief Clifton Marriner and Lincolnville Firefighter John Ward were also among the injured and have since been released from hospital care.Robbins Lumber owners, employee among the injured Two of Robbins Lumber’s co-owners, President James A. Robbins and Vice President of Sales Alden Robbins, who are brothers, have been hospitalized at the Massachusetts General Hospital burn center along with Alden’s daughter, Searsmont EMS volunteer Lily Robbins.On Friday, a Massachusetts General Hospital spokesperson told WMTW media partner WABI that one family member’s condition improved from critical to serious, while two members of the Robbins family remain in critical condition. The spokesperson did not specify which member of the family saw an improvement in their condition.The State Fire Marshal’s Office said one Robbins Lumber employee, Thomas Wolfe, was injured during the fire and explosion. Wolfe has been hospitalized at Maine Medical Center.
The assistant chief of the Searsmont Fire Department has died in the hospital, weeks after he was injured in the fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber in Maine.
Wayne Woodbury, 76, died Sunday morning at Maine Medical Center in Portland, according to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Sister station WMTW reports that Woodbury was among 12 people who were injured in the May 15 fire and explosion at the family-owned lumber mill, which killed Morrill Firefighter Andrew Cross. Eight other first responders were injured in the incident, along with two co-owners of Robbins Lumber and an employee of the mill.
“The Office of State Fire Marshal extends its sincere condolences to his family, friends, and the members of the Searsmont Fire Department during this difficult time,” the agency said in a statement.
What caused the explosion?
On May 26, the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office shared the preliminary findings made by state investigators and investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) as to what caused the fire and explosion.
Investigators believe the fire started in the area of the unloader mechanism at the base of a silo. Before the fire suppression operations could fully contain the smoldering fire, suspended particulate material rapidly ignited and caused an explosion within the silo.
According to investigators, the silo lifted from its concrete base during the explosion, releasing large amounts of sawdust and additional particulate material. The silo then toppled over, at which point the surrounding area became rapidly engulfed in flames.
The fire then spread rapidly to adjacent buildings and structures within the Robbins Lumber complex, contributing to the extensive damage to multiple buildings.
Investigators also determined the facility’s fire suppression system, which was located near the top of the silo, did not activate because the temperature at that elevation did not reach the activation threshold.
Officials said that based on the information obtained during the initial scene examination, the cause of the fire is considered to be accidental.
While the initial on-scene phase of the investigation is over, the State Fire Marshal’s Office said the investigation into the fire and explosion remains active and ongoing. Investigators will return to Robbins Lumber in the coming months to conduct a more detailed examination of the unloader systems, which may include additional testing in coordination with insurance representatives and additional technical experts to further identify a cause.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office also said the investigation is expected to remain open while follow-up analysis, testing, reports and coordination continue. The state agency also said it will be coordinating with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) regarding firefighting safety, and that it has already initiated the line-of-duty death review processes.
More about Firefighter Cross
Cross, 27, was found dead at the Robbins Lumber mill after the burning silo exploded the morning of May 15.
A graduate of Belfast Area High School, Cross was a member of the high school soccer team, baseball team and National Honor Society.
He went on to earn an associate of science degree in mechanical technology at Washington County Community College with certificates in heavy equipment operation and as an engine specialist.
Cross worked at Bath Iron Works as an outside machinist and would have celebrated his seventh anniversary with the company on Wednesday, May 20.
“We are grateful for his dedication and commitment to his community and to his country, and we are deeply saddened by his passing,” Bath Iron Works said in a statement previously shared with Maine’s Total Coverage.
Cross owned his own business, A.R. Cross Trucking, and did earthwork, plowing and mowing for people in surrounding communities. He also plowed roads for the town of Morrill in addition to being a member of the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department.
According to his obituary, Cross loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter, fisherman and snowmobiler.
“Andrew treasured his time at camp in Bingham and Madagascal Pond, riding the snowmobile trails in northern Maine, and visiting family in Vermont. He recently purchased a home where he loved having family and friends gather for a big meal and share laughter and lots of stories,” Cross’ family wrote in the obituary. “He was always ready to give a helping hand to others, and he had a smile that instantly endeared him to everyone he met.”
Cross is survived by his parents, Donald and Laurie Cross; his sisters, Whitney Cross and Lindsey Cross; and his grandmother, Beverly Young. He was also very close to his aunts and uncles, as well as his extended family of cousins, whom he considered to be “bonus brothers and sisters,” according to the obituary.
A public visitation was held on May 21 at the Riposta Funeral Home in Belfast. A memorial service limited to family, friends and a select number of fire departments was held May 22 at Veracity Chapel in Morrill.
Injured first responders
Woodbury was one of seven firefighters who were injured in the fire and explosion. Two members of Searsmont Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were also injured in the Robbins Lumber incident.
Belmont Firefighter Katie Paige was transported to Maine Medical Center, where she was in a medically induced coma and was being treated for severe burns to her hands and face, according to her husband. Paige was named Belmont’s Firefighter of the Year in 2025 and is also a member of the Northport Fire Department. On June 6, Paige’s husband shared on Facebook that Katie was showing progress in her recovery.
Searsmont Fire Chief James Ames was injured and has since been released from hospital care.
Searsmont EMS Chief Sara Tompkins has been hospitalized at Maine Medical Center, while Searsmont EMS volunteer Lily Robbins, the daughter of Robbins Lumber co-owner Alden Robbins, has been receiving treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital with her father and uncle, James A. Robbins.
Montville Firefighter Jacob Spaulding has been hospitalized at Maine Medical Center. A GoFundMe page has been created to help Spaulding’s family with medical bills. According to the page, Spaulding now faces a long and challenging road to recovery, but he is expected to be OK.
Lincolnville Firefighter Aaron Heald, 20, was taken to Maine Medical Center to receive treatment. Heald has been released from the hospital and the Lincolnville Fire Department welcomed him home on May 17.
Appleton Fire Chief Clifton Marriner and Lincolnville Firefighter John Ward were also among the injured and have since been released from hospital care.
Robbins Lumber owners, employee among the injured
Two of Robbins Lumber’s co-owners, President James A. Robbins and Vice President of Sales Alden Robbins, who are brothers, have been hospitalized at the Massachusetts General Hospital burn center along with Alden’s daughter, Searsmont EMS volunteer Lily Robbins.
On Friday, a Massachusetts General Hospital spokesperson told WMTW media partner WABI that one family member’s condition improved from critical to serious, while two members of the Robbins family remain in critical condition. The spokesperson did not specify which member of the family saw an improvement in their condition.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office said one Robbins Lumber employee, Thomas Wolfe, was injured during the fire and explosion. Wolfe has been hospitalized at Maine Medical Center.
