Maine Lumber Mill Explosion Triggers ‘Mass Casualty' Response

A fire and explosion at a lumber mill in Searsmont, Maine, injured at least five people Friday and prompted officials to declare a "mass casualty event," according to Waldo County authorities. Emergency responders from across the region were dispatched as the scale of the incident exceeded local resources, officials said.

The blast occurred at Robbins Lumber, about 95 miles from Portland, and its cause remains under investigation. Maine State Police and fire marshal investigators responded, while 911 Director Mike Larrivee said officials had committed extensive resources to the scene. Gov. Janet Mills urged residents to avoid the area as crews continued emergency operations.

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This story was originally published May 15, 2026 at 1:09 PM.