A firefighter is dead, and several people are in serious or critical condition after a burning silo exploded at a lumber mill in Maine, according to emergency officials. Maine State Police have identified the victim as 27-year-old firefighter Andrew Cross.Video of the scene from sister station WMTW shows a fire and smoke billowing into the air at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, a town of about 1,500 people, about 95 miles from Portland, Maine.The fire was reported around 11 a.m. Friday, and was contained by Friday afternoon, but flames were still visible as of Saturday morning. Earlier Friday, officials had said that at least 11 people were injured, including firefighters. The Maine fire marshal's office and multiple fire departments responded to what Waldo County Dispatch called a mass-casualty incident following an explosion and massive fire. A mass casualty incident does not mean that anyone is dead; it means there are believed to be more potential patients than the local department can handle.Video below: Drone video shows massive fire at Robbins Lumber mill in Searsmont, MaineThe fire marshal's office said multiple fire departments responded to a reported fire in one of the silos at Robbins Lumber at about 10:05 a.m.Crews from the Searsmont Fire Department and numerous mutual aid departments were working to knock the silo fire down when an explosion happened.Firefighter found dead, other injuries reportedOfficials said one firefighter was found dead at the scene. Multiple people sustained injuries and were transported to hospitals throughout the state, and several were reported to be in serious and critical condition as of Friday evening.The body of the firefighter killed in the explosion will be transported to the office of the chief medical examiner in Augusta, where an autopsy will be conducted, and the victim's identity will be confirmed, according to the fire marshal's office. The firefighter's identity has been reported by state police as Morrill firefighter Andrew Cross. His body was given an honorable transfer on Saturday to a funeral home in Belfast.A memorial of flowers dedicated to Cross sat outside of the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department as a procession of dozens of firetrucks, police cars and other vehicles escorted his remains to a funeral home. Dozens of first responders and other community members gathered in Morrill to salute and pay their respects.Another firefighter who was confirmed injured is Katherine Paige, of the Belmont Fire Department. She was taken to MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland, where she was in a medically induced coma and being treated for severe burns to her hands and face. Her husband said she has a "long recovery ahead." Paige was named Firefighter of the Year in 2025.MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland, which has a Level 1 trauma designation, said Saturday that eight of 10 patients brought to the hospital were still being treated. Two patients had been transferred. Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor had been treating one patient who was in critical condition but said Saturday that that patient was transferred to another facility. Officials said just after 1 p.m. that no mill employees were injured and all employees are accounted for. That was according to Catherine Robbins-Halsted, vice president of administration in charge of finance, human resources and insurance, and president of Robbins Lumber East Baldwin.She said there are generally two people working in the area that is affected and that the fire appeared to be contained, but it was not out. She also said there was significant structural damage."We have dumped all of the resources from the whole county over to that area," Waldo County 911 Director Mike Larrivee said.The Augusta fire chief confirmed to Maine's Total Coverage that an Augusta ambulance crew intercepted one patient with burns sustained in the Searsmont incident and took them to the hospital in Augusta. The chief said that the person got into a personal vehicle to get to the hospital. The chief also said hospitals near Searsmont were very busy. Timeline The first call for help came at about 10:05 a.m. for a fire in the area of the silo at the mill.An explosion occurred while crews were working to knock down the fire in the silo.The fire then spread to multiple other buildings.Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center received one patient who was in critical condition. That patient was later transferred to another facility.One patient, described by family as a 20-year-old firefighter from Lincolnville, was transferred to Maine Medical Center in Portland.The husband of another firefighter said his wife was taken to Maine Medical Center to be treated for burns.The Thorndike Fire Department says multiple firefighters and civilians have sustained injuries, multiple maydays have been called, and multiple fire trucks have burned.The Maine Fire Marshal's Office and multiple other fire departments responded to the scene. At about 1:45 p.m. on Friday, Maine's Total Coverage's Jacob Murphy, who was at the scene, reported hearing more explosions.At 3:45 p.m., Fire Marshal Shawn Esler said it would likely be quite some time before a cause was known.Gov. Janet Mills arrived at the scene at about 5:30 p.m. Christian Halsted, spokesperson for the family that owns the mill, says the mill will not operate for the rest of the week, at least.Flames were still visible on Saturday morning.Firefighters are expected to be at the scene for days.Emergency response and investigation The scene was turned over to the Maine Fire Marshal's Office on Saturday. On Sunday morning, investigators from the Office of State Fire Marshal (FMO) were joined by Special Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Response Team (ATF NRT). Fire investigators from both agencies will conduct a joint scene examination to determine the origin and cause of the fire and subsequent explosion."We owe the people of Maine a thorough, professional, and methodical investigation. ATF is the only federal agency tasked with fire investigation. Therefore, at our request, the ATF NRT has responded with specialized personnel and resources, including forensic scientists, electrical engineers, computer modeling experts, and additional fire investigation personnel to support complex investigations of this nature," the Maine Fire Marshal's Office said in a statement on Sunday.Investigators were expected to remain on scene for most of the week."The impact of this emergency will be felt for years to come," the Fire Marshal's Office said.Officials react to explosionGov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, shared a brief statement at 11:54 a.m. Friday."I have been briefed on the situation unfolding in Searsmont. I urge folks to stay clear of the area, follow the instructions of law enforcement, and allow emergency personnel to respond. I ask Maine people to join me in keeping all those affected in their thoughts," she said.Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, shared a statement at about 12:30 p.m. Friday."I’m aware of the fire and explosion in Searsmont. As my team and I seek out more information, I am praying for the safety and well-being of first responders and everyone else on-site," he said. "I ask locals to follow law enforcement instructions, and to look to official channels and trusted sources for more information as it becomes available."Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, shared a statement at about 1:10 p.m. Friday."I am monitoring the reports tracking the explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, and commend the brave first responders who are now on the scene helping workers and their families. I have visited this mill frequently and my heart goes out to Jim Robbins and his family, the workers, and the Searsmont community.For your safety and the well-being of our wider Maine community, please follow the guidance of local emergency personnel."Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, shared a statement at about 3:15 p.m. Friday."The Robbins family is beloved in the Searsmont community, and Robbins Lumber is a piece of Maine history. I have known the family for many years. My heart goes out to them, their employees, and the first responders who have come from all over the region to help in the emergency response. This is a very sad crisis, and all those affected are in my prayers." Company and industry background The company's website states that it has been a family-owned firm for five generations and has been in existence since 1881. The website describes the company as "a high-tech lumber manufacturer."There are over 115 employees at the Robbins Mill in Searsmont, and the company has another 100 or so employees at other locations across Maine. Lumber and wood products are a critical and historic industry in Maine, especially in rural parts of the state. The Maine Forest Products Council said the industry contributed more than $8 billion to the state's economy in 2024 and provides about 29,000 jobs.Owner of mill gives statementThe owner of the business gave a brief statement Friday afternoon.He called it a hugely devastating day for his family. He asked for respect for his family and said the mill will not be operating this week.Response from logging communityThe Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast shared the following statement regarding the incident at Robbins Lumber."The Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast is deeply saddened by the tragic explosion and fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, Maine, today. We extend our deepest sympathies to the victims, their families, the Robbins Lumber team, first responders, and the surrounding community during this incredibly difficult time."Robbins Lumber has been a valued Supporting Member of the PLC for many years and is an important wood buyer for logging contractors throughout the region. The company has long played a significant role in supporting Maine’s forest economy and the livelihoods of many hardworking families connected to the industry."This is a close-knit industry, and incidents like this are felt throughout the entire region. As the situation continues to develop, we stand with everyone affected and remain hopeful for the speedy recovery of those injured. The PLC extends its heartfelt support to Robbins Lumber and all those impacted by this devastating event."About Robbins LumberThe company's website states that it has been a family-owned firm for five generations and has been in existence since 1881. The website describes the company as "a high-tech lumber manufacturer."There are over 115 employees at the Robbins Mill in Searsmont, and the company has another 100 or so employees at other locations across the state. State Sen. Rick Bennett, who is running for governor, was at the mill last week to announce policy plans. Maine's Total Coverage was there for that announcement. You can see what the mill looked like before the explosion and fire in their report from that day here.Roads in the area are closed.