Support is pouring in for those impacted by Friday’s fatal fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber.
Morrill volunteer firefighter Andrew Cross was found dead at the scene, while 12 others were injured, according to officials. Eight of those injured were still hospitalized as of Monday.
A number of fundraisers have been set up to support affected individuals and their families.
Here’s how you can help.
General aid
There are a number of broad fundraisers that will go to supporting multiple victims, their families and others impacted.
The Fraternity Village General Store in Searsmont quickly became a support hub for first responders following the explosion, accepting water, Gatorade and snacks to help crews at the scene, as well as monetary donations.
The business is continuing to accept cash and check donations, which co-owner Amanda Boyington said will go to a fund to support victims and firefighters. Thousands of dollars had been raised as of Monday, she said, and the neighboring United Methodist Church is also accepting donations.
The Maine Strong Memorial Foundation said it plans to launch a fundraiser Monday night and is working directly with the town of Searsmont to identify and confirm impacted individuals and families.
“Our goal is to ensure we move forward in a collaborative, transparent, and unified way to best support the individuals and families impacted by this tragedy,” the foundation said in a social media post.
Hammond Lumber Company, which has locations across Maine and New Hampshire, has already pledged to donate $100,000 toward the foundation’s fundraiser.
“As a fellow family-owned Maine business, Robbins Lumber has long been a valued partner of ours, and this loss is deeply felt throughout Maine’s lumber community,” Hammond Lumber said in a statement.
While Searsmont created a local fund on Monday, the town suggested donors who wish to support all impacted fire departments, first responders and families to consider donating to the foundation’s fundraiser.
A GoFundMe has been set up to support the first responders and families impacted by the fire and explosion; it had raised nearly $30,000 as of Monday afternoon.
Targeted fundraisers
Fundraisers have also been set up for some of the individual firefighters and departments impacted by the tragedy.
The Searsmont Board of Selectmen approved the creation of the Robbins Lumber Fire Relief Fund on Monday to support Searsmont families impacted by the tragedy. Donations can be dropped off in person at the Searsmont Town Office or by mail to PO Box 56, Searsmont, ME, 04973.
The town also warned community members to be wary of online fundraisers that could be scams in a social media post on Saturday.
“Our community’s generosity is one of our greatest strengths, and we want to ensure that every dollar goes exactly where it’s intended,” the town stated.
The town of Morrill is accepting donations, which can be mailed or delivered in person to its town office. In a social media post, the town asked donors to note whether they would like their donation to go to the Cross family or to the Morrill Fire Department. Unmarked donations will go to the Cross family by default.
The town also shared a GoFundMe for Cross’ family for those who would prefer to donate digitally. That had raised more than $25,000 as of Monday afternoon.
Another GoFundMe has been set up for injured Montville firefighter Jacob Spaulding; it had raised more than $12,000 as of Monday afternoon.
Montville Fire Chief John York said Monday that Spaulding is “doing OK,” but his recovery is “going to take time.”
And a GoFundMe has also been set up for Katherine Paige, an injured Belmont firefighter who also volunteers with the Northport Fire Department. Her husband, Paul, said her recovery is expected to take several months.
“She has a long way to go,” he said.
Her fundraiser had raised nearly $13,000 as of Monday afternoon.
Staff Writers Rachel Estabrook, Gillian Graham and Morgan Womack contributed to this story.
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