‘Fill the boot’ effort starts for mill explosion victims

Penobscot Fire Department, general store team up to raise funds after Searsmont lumber yard explosion kills firefighter, injures others

Donations will be directed to fire departments affected by the mill fire. Photo courtesy of Northern Bay Market.

May 19, 2026

By staff

PENOBSCOT—Penobscot firefighters have set out a boot at Northern Bay Market to raise money for departments affected by the May 15 explosion and fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont.

One firefighter, 27-year-old Andrew Cross of the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department, was killed in the event. More than a dozen people were injured, including at least eight other firefighters and EMS personnel from various towns as well as several mill workers.

According to the Maine Fire Marshal’s Office, the firefighters and EMS personnel who were injured hailed from departments in Searsmont, Appleton, Belmont, Lincolnville and Montville.

The explosion and fire is being investigated by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The agency said in a statement that emergency crews responded to a fire in a silo that was spreading at the lumber yard. While firefighters tried to contain the fire, an explosion occurred, killing one firefighter and critically injuring others, the ATF said in a statement.

“Our condolences go to the loved ones of the brave firefighter who lost his life trying to protect others,” said Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Office Thomas Greco.

The locally driven ‘fill the boot’ campaign in Penobscot started on May 18. All funds donated at Northern Bay Market will be delivered by the Penobscot Fire Department directly to the town of Searsmont, which has set up an official Robbins Lumber Fire Relief Fund.

Robbins Lumber has been a family-owned operation since 1881 spanning five generations. On its company website, vice-president Catherine Robbins-Halsted thanked the public “for the extraordinary outpouring of support, prayers, and kindness we have received” following the fire.

“Our hearts are with the family of the firefighter who lost his life in service to our community, and with the firefighters who remain hospitalized as they recover from their injuries. We are profoundly thankful for the courage, professionalism, and sacrifice shown by the first responders who answered the call that day,” the statement said.

The statement also shared that “two of our owners, Jim Robbins and Alden Robbins, along with family member Lily Robbins, are receiving excellent care at Massachusetts General Hospital’s world-class burn center. They have a long road to recovery ahead, but they are in the very best hands, and we look forward to their return.”

The family asked that any donations “be directed to your local fire department or to the Shriners in honor of the firefighters and families impacted by this tragedy.”

“While this is an unimaginable tragedy, our commitment to our people, our customers, and our future remains unwavering. We are fully committed to rebuilding and moving forward together,” the statement said.