Firefighter who fought Searsmont mill fire dies, another released from hospital

One firefighter who responded to the May 15 fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont has died due to his injuries, and another is returning home after being discharged from Maine Medical Center in Portland.

The State Fire Marshal's Office announced on Sunday that Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury, 76, died at Maine Medical Center in Portland. The Thorndike Fire Department said in a Facebook post that Woodbury died as a result of his injuries from the fire.

Another firefighter who was severely injured, Jacob Spaulding, was discharged from Maine Med at noon on Monday, according to Liberty Fire and Rescue. 

On May 15, a blast and fire at the lumber mill injured about a dozen firefighters and employees and killed one firefighter other than Woodbury — 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 sawdust released then caught fire and spread, and the resulting fire took nearly 12 hours to contain.

Liberty Fire and Rescue said in its Facebook post that Monday afternoon, a procession for Woodbury was set to go from Augusta to Belfast and will travel through Searsmont.

“This loss is felt throughout the entire fire service community,†The Thorndike Fire Department posted on social media. “The courage, dedication, and selfless service displayed by Assistant Chief Woodbury will never be forgotten. His commitment to protecting others exemplified the very best of the fire service.â€

Karen York, the public information officer for the Montville Fire Department, said the department is ecstatic that Spaulding is coming home. An hour before Spaulding was scheduled to get to the Montville Fire Station, fire trucks and ambulances from other departments had already lined the street to welcome him home. 

She added that she hopes the tragic incident at Robbins Lumber will help people understand how crucial it is for firefighters to be given the appropriate tools for their safety.

“It's one thing to agree to run into a burning building, that's a choice you make,†York said. “But it's not a choice you make to get cancer or have inadequate tools and equipment.â€

Robbins Lumber has resumed full operations and began processing orders again on May 26.

The State Fire Marshal's Office says the investigation into the fire is still ongoing.