Fire Tragedy Strikes Robbins Lumber In Maine 

On May 15, a fire and explosion in the silo area had turned Robbins Lumber in Searsmont into a scene of tragedy. It killed one 27-year-old fireman, injured eight firefighters and first responders, sent co-owners Alden and Jim Robbins to the burn center at Massachusetts General Hospital, and also sent Alden’s daughter, Lily Robbins, to the burn center, as she was there as an EMS volunteer, and also injured two other Robbins employees.

Robbins Lumber released a statement, which included the status of the Robbins family members: “They have a long road to recovery ahead, but they are in the very best hands, and we look forward to their return.”

The statement expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of the fireman, and their appreciation for the immediate response from 299 firefighters and 46 fire departments.

Another report said Robbins Lumber would not lay off workers and intended to resume production soon, as photos appeared to show the main lumber production lines intact.

The fire incident was still under major investigation, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), as heavy machinery began clearing through the debris.

The editors of Timber Processing wish the best of health to the Robbins family members and all of the injured personnel, and we look forward to watching Robbins Lumber progress from the fifth generation to the sixth generation.