Assistant fire chief Wayne Woodbury, 76, of the Searsmont Fire Department, died Sunday morning at Maine Medical Center in Portland, according to the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Woodbury was among 12 people injured in the May 15 fire and explosion at the family-owned Robbins Lumber mill, which killed Morrill Firefighter Andrew Cross.

Investigation into the Explosion

On May 26, the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office shared preliminary findings on the cause of the fire and explosion. Investigators believe the fire started in the area of the unloader mechanism at the base of a silo. Before the fire suppression operations could fully contain the smoldering fire, suspended particulate material rapidly ignited and caused an explosion within the silo.

The silo lifted from its concrete base during the explosion, releasing large amounts of sawdust and additional particulate material. The silo then toppled over, and the surrounding area became rapidly engulfed in flames. The fire spread to adjacent buildings and structures within the Robbins Lumber complex, contributing to the extensive damage to multiple buildings.

Injured First Responders

Woodbury was one of seven firefighters injured in the fire and explosion. Two members of Searsmont Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were also injured in the incident. Belmont Firefighter Katie Paige was transported to Maine Medical Center, where she was in a medically induced coma and was being treated for severe burns to her hands and face.

Searsmont Fire Chief James Ames was injured and has since been released from hospital care. Searsmont EMS Chief Sara Tompkins has been hospitalized at Maine Medical Center, while Searsmont EMS volunteer Lily Robbins, the daughter of Robbins Lumber co-owner Alden Robbins, has been receiving treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital with her father and uncle, James A. Robbins.

Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.