A 27-year-old firefighter who lost his life in a devastating fire and explosion at a lumber mill in Maine's midcoast region was being honored on Saturday, a day after the incident that left at least 11 others injured.
Memorial and Procession
A memorial of flowers dedicated to Andrew Cross was placed outside the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department. On Saturday, first responders and community members lined a highway and local roads to pay tribute as Cross's remains were escorted approximately 46 miles (74 kilometers) east from Augusta to a funeral home in Belfast, Maine. The procession was routed through Morrill to allow residents to express their respects, as announced by the fire department on Facebook.
Response and Injuries
Roughly two dozen fire departments responded to the massive flames that tore through a silo at Robbins Lumber in a rural area, according to the state fire marshal's office. MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland, a Level 1 trauma center, reported on Friday that it was treating 10 patients transferred from local hospitals. Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor had been treating one patient in critical condition, but that patient was later transferred to another facility, a spokesperson confirmed via email.
Investigation and Company Background
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Robbins Lumber's website describes the company as a "high-tech lumber manufacturer" that has been family-owned for five generations since 1881. The mill in Searsmont, a town of about 1,500 people roughly 95 miles (150 kilometers) from Portland, will not resume operations in the near future. Christian Halsted, a family spokesperson, described the fire as a "hugely devastating day for the family" and stated that they are cooperating with authorities on the investigation.
Economic Impact
Lumber and wood products are a critical and historic industry in Maine. According to the Maine Forest Products Council, the sector contributed over $8 billion to the state's economy in 2024 and provides approximately 29,000 jobs.
