|
The investigation into the cause may not immediately offer
answers, Maine fire marshal Shawn Esler said.
MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland, which has a Level
1 trauma designation, said it was treating 10 patients who were
transferred from local hospitals. Northern Light Eastern Maine
Medical Center in Bangor was treating one patient who was in
critical condition, a spokesperson said.
The mill is in Searsmont, a town of about 1,500 people about 95
miles (150 kilometers) from Portland.
State and local emergency responders helped as fire departments
worked for hours to contain the flames.
“We have dumped all of the resources from the whole county over
to that area,” Waldo County 911 director Mike Larrivee said.
Robbins Lumber's website describes the company as a “high-tech
lumber manufacturer” that has been in existence since 1881 and
family-owned for five generations.
Christian Halsted, a family spokesperson, said the fire was a
“hugely devastating day for the family” and the mill will not be
operating in the near future. The family was cooperating with
authorities on the investigation, he said.
Lumber and wood products are a critical and historic industry in
Maine. The Maine Forest Products Council said it contributed
more than $8 billion to the state's economy in 2024 and provides
about 29,000 jobs.
Officials including Gov. Janet Mills said they were monitoring
the response to the blaze.
“I urge folks to stay clear of the area, follow the instructions
of law enforcement, and allow emergency personnel to respond,”
Mills said on the social platform X. “I ask Maine people to join
me in keeping all those affected in their thoughts.”
____
Ramer reported from Concord, New Hampshire.
All contents © copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights
reserved |
|
