Federal investigators say water tactics worsened Maine lumber mill silo explosion
A federal safety report found that firefighters’ use of water on an oxygen-limiting silo at Robbins Lumber helped trigger the May 15 blast that killed three people, including two firefighters.
Federal investigators from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health determined that firefighters unintentionally contributed to the May 15 blast at Robbins Lumber by directing water into an oxygen-limiting silo, contrary to the manufacturer’s safety guidelines. Introducing oxygen and agitating dust inside the silo created a combustible cloud that ignited, killing assistant fire chief Wayne Woodbury, volunteer firefighter Andrew Cross and, weeks later, mill co-owner Alden Robbins.
The explosion also injured at least 13 people and caused the silo to collapse, spreading fire across the facility. Roughly 299 firefighters from 46 departments across four counties fought the blaze for several hours. The agency’s recommendations stress that fire departments should never use water or foam on such silos and should receive targeted training on silo-specific hazards. Robbins Lumber expressed sorrow and pledged to rebuild to higher standards, while the National Fire Protection Association and Maine Department of Public Safety declined further comment.
Why it matters
The findings highlight how standard firefighting methods can unintentionally worsen industrial fires, prompting changes to safety protocols.
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