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 Department of Public Safety via AP)
A federal review found that firefighters’ water application at the base of a silo contributed to the May fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, which killed two firefighters. The NIOSH report identified combustible dust, emergency planning, and fire suppression tactics as contributing factors. Silo manufacturer procedures warned against using water or foam inside the silo, cautioning that it could force air into the structure and trigger an explosion.
Firefighters initially believed the fire was under control. The first engine arrived at 10:22 a.m., and by 10:40 a.m. crews thought it largely knocked down. The silo exploded at approximately 11 a.m.
The report noted that firefighters and mill employees were unaware the silo was oxygen-limiting.
For More Information: https://www.fireengineering.com/news/niosh-report-finds-firefighting-tactics-contributed-to-deadly-me-silo-explosion/
