2 min read

Robbins Lumber in Searsmont resumed full operations last Tuesday, just 11 days after the fire and explosion that killed a firefighter and injured 12 other people.

The mill in Searsmont resumed full operations and began processing orders on May 26, Catherine Robbins-Halsted, a mill co-owner, said in a statement Friday.

“Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of our employees and partners, we have worked quickly to restore operations safely and efficiently,” Robbins-Halsted said.

Robbins Lumber has multiple locations across the state that are aiding operations in Searsmont, the co-owner stated. That includes using a Sanford location for warehousing, while a mill in East Baldwin “has stepped up production efforts to support customer order needs.” The company has also constructed a temporary warehouse on site in Searsmont, Robbins-Halsted said.

The May 15 explosion killed Morrill volunteer firefighter Andrew Cross and injured several other first responders, as well as members of the Robbins family.

Of the dozen injured, eight remain hospitalized. Five are at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland and three are at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where co-owners Jim and Alden Robbins, as well as family member Lily Robbins, an EMS volunteer, are being treated.

“We remain hopeful and encouraged by their progress and look forward to welcoming them back when they are able,” Robbins-Halsted said. “We also continue to hold all those recovering and affected by this tragedy in our hearts and thoughts each day.”

The co-owner thanked employees, customers and community members for their “strength, resilience, and compassion,” and also extended her thanks to customers and industry partners for their support.

“Thank you for standing with Robbins Lumber,” she said.

Drew is the night reporter for the Portland Press Herald. He previously covered South Portland, Scarborough and Cape Elizabeth for the Sentry, Leader and Southern Forecaster. Though he is from Massachusetts,...

Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.