Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury died from injuries sustained in the Robbins Lumber fire and explosion

SEARSMONT, Maine — Searsmont Fire Department Assistant Chief Wayne Woodbury has died weeks after being injured in a fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber.

Woodbury, 76, died on June 14 at Maine Medical Center in Portland, the State Fire Marshal’s Office told WMTW.

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Woodbury was one of 12 people injured in the May 15 fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber, which also killed Morrill firefighter Andrew Cross. Eight other first responders, two Robbins Lumber co-owners and a mill employee were also injured.

Investigators said the fire likely began near a silo’s unloader mechanism before airborne particulate material ignited and caused an explosion. The blast lifted the silo from its base, released sawdust and debris, and sparked a larger fire.

Gov. Janet Mills issued a statement in response to Woodbury’s death.

“I am deeply saddened to learn that Assistant Fire Chief of Searsmont, Wayne Woodbury, has died as a result of the injuries he sustained fighting the fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont,” Mills said. “Wayne gave his life to protect his community, and his sacrifice and example will never be forgotten. On behalf of the people of Maine, I extend my deepest condolences to the Searsmont Fire Department, to his community and to all impacted by this devastating loss.”

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