Alden J. Robbins, co-owner of Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, Maine, has died from injuries sustained during a fire and explosion at the facility on May 15, bringing the total fatalities to three. Robbins died Thursday, according to statements released Friday by Maine Gov. Janet Mills and the Robbins family.
The blaze sent plumes of black smoke into the sky and required a response from hundreds of firefighters. Two firefighters, Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury, 76, and Morrill Volunteer Fire Department member Andrew Cross, 27, previously died from injuries sustained while battling the fire. Ten people were injured in the incident, including Robbins' daughter Lily.
"Alden was the heart of our family in so many ways, and nothing mattered more to him than the people he loved," the Robbins family said in a statement. "Throughout his battle, he fought with extraordinary courage and determination, holding on so that his family could have precious time with him. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by those who loved him."
Authorities have stated the fire was accidental and originated at the base of a silo. The Maine State Fire Marshal's Office reported that a rapid ignition of particulate material led to an explosion within the silo. This caused the silo to lift from its concrete base and release large amounts of sawdust and other materials. The silo then toppled, engulfing the surrounding area in fire.
Gov. Mills described Robbins as a decades-long leader in Maine's lumber industry and a "devoted steward of one of our state’s most storied businesses." She offered condolences to his family, including his father, former company President James Robbins, his wife Amy, and their six children. Mills asked the people of Maine to keep the Robbins family and all those impacted by the tragedy in their thoughts and prayers.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.