'They walked into a ticking time bomb': Firefighter recalls Searsmont explosion

Liberty fire Chief Bill Gillespie says there's more to the story than what the headlines have shown.

Federal report finds firefighting actions contributed to deadly Searsmont silo explosion

While multiple fire departments conducted station-specific accountability checks following the explosion, the formal tag system was not used.

Feds: Firefighters unknowingly contributed to deadly Searsmont silo explosion

Morrill firefighter Andrew Cross, 27, died at the scene of the fire. Searsmont’s assistant fire Chief, Wayne Woodbury, succumbed to his injuries on June 14. The blaze, one of the worst industrial ...
Woodworking Network

Firefighting techniques unintentionally aided in deadly Maine mill explosion, report says

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health released a 22-page line-of-duty death report revealing that fire suppression tactics unknowingly contributed to the catastrophic May 15, 2026, ...

Maine firefighters focus on lessons learned after deadly Searsmont explosion

SEARSMONT, Maine (WVII) -- Maine firefighters are stressing lessons learned and not placing blame in the wake of new federal findings following the deadly explosion at a Searsmont mill. The report ...

Bomberos inadvertidamente agravaron incendio en aserradero en Maine, dice informe

PORTLAND, Maine, EE.UU. (AP) — Los bomberos que respondieron a una explosión e incendio en un aserradero de Maine utilizaron tácticas que de manera involuntaria agravaron la detonación, según un ...
The Washington Post

Investigators say fatal Maine lumber mill fire was accidental and started in silo

PORTLAND, Maine — The fire and subsequent explosion at a Maine lumber mill that killed a firefighter and injured a dozen other people was accidental and originated at the base of a silo, authorities ...
Firefighter Nation

NIOSH Report Finds Firefighting Tactics Contributed to Deadly ME Silo Explosion

This photo provided by the Maine Department of Public Safety shows Firefighters try to extinguish flames from a large fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, Maine on Friday, May 15, 2026 (Maine ...
Woodworking Network

Second firefighter dies from injuries at lumber mill fire and explosion

SEARSMONT, Maine — Hundreds of firefighters, first responders and community members lined the streets of Searsmont, Maine, to honor Searsmont firefighter who died following injuries sustained in the ...
Firehouse

NIOSH: Wrong Tactic at Deadly Searsmont, ME, Lumber Mill Blast not Uncommon

When NIOSH investigators started their probe of an explosion at a Searsmont lumberyard that claimed the lives of two firefighters, a common mistake quickly emerged. "Over the past 40 years, NIOSH ...
Bangor Daily News

Maine town where silo exploded one of few left closely identified with local employer

Pete Milinazzo and Christopher Staples, Searsmont Select Board members, stand in front of the town's community center. Credit: Bridget Huber / BDN We’re fundraising to support the newsroom this spring ...