Robbins Lumber resumes operations after deadly fire

Rubber and Wood  |  2026-06-02 03:17:51   |   By

Three employees that were injured in the blast are still receiving care at Massachusetts General Hospital, according to the website. 

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Robbins Lumber, which experienced a deadly fire last month, is back in operation.

On May 15, a blast and fire at the lumber mill injured about a dozen firefighters and employees and killed one firefighter — Andrew Cross, 27, of the Morrill fire department. Investigators say the explosion was accidental. 

Three hundred firefighters from 46 departments responded to battle the fire. The fire began among wood shavings, which then moved to one of the silos, causing an explosion. The explosion caused that silo to lift off its base, releasing a large amount of sawdust. That silo then tipped over, causing the surrounding area to catch fire. The fire then spread to nearby structures.

The fire took nearly 12 hours to contain. 

According to the Robbins Lumber website, the mill has resumed full operations and began processing orders again on May 26. 

Three employees that were injured in the blast are still receiving care at Massachusetts General Hospital, according to the website. 

The website also says the company is using its Sanford location for warehousing, and its East Baldwin mill has increased production to meet customer needs. The company has also constructed a temporary warehouse to assist with shipping.

Courtesy: www.spectrumlocalnews.com