At least five people were injured in an explosion and large fire at a lumber mill in Maine Friday morning, according to emergency officials. Video above from the scene shows a fire and smoke billowing into the air at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, a town of about 1,500 people about 95 miles from Portland.Waldo County Dispatch referred to the incident as a “mass casualty incident,” which means there are believed to be more potential patients than the local department can handle.At least five people have been injured, but a full assessment was is complete, according to Waldo County officials.At least one person was taken to a hospital with burn injuries, according to Augusta Fire Chief Dave Groder.No deaths have been reported. The exact number and extent of possible injuries is unclear. Governor Janet Mills said she has been briefed on the situation and is urging people to stay clear of the area.”I ask Maine people to join me in keeping all those affected in their thoughts,” Mills said.Lumber and wood products are a critical and historic industry in Maine, especially in rural parts of the state. The Maine Forest Products Council said the industry contributed more than $8 billion to the state’s economy in 2024 and provides about 29,000 jobs.
At least five people were injured in an explosion and large fire at a lumber mill in Maine Friday morning, according to emergency officials.
Video above from the scene shows a fire and smoke billowing into the air at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, a town of about 1,500 people about 95 miles from Portland.
Waldo County Dispatch referred to the incident as a “mass casualty incident,” which means there are believed to be more potential patients than the local department can handle.
At least five people have been injured, but a full assessment was is complete, according to Waldo County officials.
At least one person was taken to a hospital with burn injuries, according to Augusta Fire Chief Dave Groder.
No deaths have been reported.
The exact number and extent of possible injuries is unclear.
Governor Janet Mills said she has been briefed on the situation and is urging people to stay clear of the area.
“I ask Maine people to join me in keeping all those affected in their thoughts,” Mills said.
Lumber and wood products are a critical and historic industry in Maine, especially in rural parts of the state. The Maine Forest Products Council said the industry contributed more than $8 billion to the state’s economy in 2024 and provides about 29,000 jobs.
