Ten people injured in the fire and explosion at a Searsmont lumber mill Friday were still hospitalized as of Sunday afternoon.
Katherine Paige, a firefighter for Belmont, was one of many first responders fighting the large fire at Robbins Lumber when the explosion occurred. Paige is being treated for severe injuries at Maine Medical Center in Portland, her husband Paul Paige said.
“She has a long way to go,” he said on Sunday, adding that her recovery is expected to take several months.
Morrill firefighter Andrew Cross was killed in the incident at Robbins Lumber. Authorities said the fire and explosion are under investigation by federal and state investigators.
Two injured people were transferred Saturday to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Both were in critical condition, according to a spokesperson for Mass General on Sunday. Eight patients remained at Maine Medical Center in Portland on Sunday, according to MaineHealth spokesperson Caroline Cornish.
Katherine and Paul Paige, who have been together for 29 years and live in Belmont, have both served as firefighters with the town’s department for about a decade, Paul Paige said. He said they also volunteer with the neighboring Northport Fire Department, where he has served for over 30 years and Katherine Paige for about 15.
Over his three decades as a firefighter, Paul Paige said he has not experienced anything close to what happened on Friday in Searsmont.
“You can’t prepare for something like that,” he said. “You can train all you want, but when it comes to something like that, it’s a nightmare.”
ATF JOINS INVESTIGATION
Federal agents joined investigators from the Office of the Maine State Fire Marshal in Searsmont to determine the origin and cause of the fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber, according to a news release from state officials Sunday.
Fire investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Response Team and the state fire marshal’s office “will conduct a joint scene examination,” according to the news release.
According to the state fire marshal’s office, at its request, special agents from the ATF’s national response team arrived with specialized personnel and resources, including forensic scientists, electrical engineers and computer modeling experts. Authorities expect operations at the scene to continue throughout the week, according to the release.
“We owe the people of Maine a thorough, professional, and methodical investigation,” the news release stated.
It added: “The impact of this emergency will be felt for years to come.”
POLITICIANS OFFER CONDOLENCES
Over the weekend, Maine politicians shared their condolences for the family and loved ones of 27-year-old Andrew Cross.
Cross worked as a machinist at Bath Iron Works, according to a spokesperson. He was also a local landscaper who plowed the town’s roads.
“His selflessness and commitment to his community will never be forgotten,” wrote U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner on social media. His legacy, Platner wrote, should not only be honored with words, but with support for first responders.
Rep. Jared Golden wrote that Cross was a “hero” and Maine gubernatorial candidate Troy Jackson wrote that “Maine will not forget your courage.”
Golden also shared that he is aware of the wider financial impact of the fire at the lumber mill on the Midcoast region, including on the families of the dozens of people who work there.
Sen. Susan Collins also shared condolences on social media.
“My heart goes out to his family, his friends, and the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department, where he served,” Collins said in a post on Facebook.
She said his life was an example of courage, bravery and selfless love of others.
Staff Writer Penelope Overton contributed to this story.