Family says Alden J. Robbins ‘fought with extraordinary courage’
PORTLAND, Maine — The co-owner of a Maine lumber mill died Thursday from injuries he sustained in a May 15 fire and explosion at the facility, bringing the fire’s death toll to three, state officials said Friday.
Alden J. Robbins, a co-owner of Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, is the third person to die from the May 15 blaze, which also killed two volunteer firefighters and injured 10 others, including his daughter Lily.
The May 15 fire sent plumes of black smoke over Waldo County and required a response from hundreds of firefighters from dozens of departments. The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office later determined the blaze was accidental and began at the base of a sawdust-filled silo, causing the structure to lift from its concrete foundation and ignite surrounding material.
Two volunteer firefighters died from injuries sustained while fighting the blaze. Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury, 76, and Andrew Cross, 27, of the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department were killed in the initial response. Ten people were injured, including Robbins’ daughter Lily, according to statements from Maine Gov. Janet Mills and the Robbins family.
“Alden was the heart of our family in so many ways, and nothing mattered more to him than the people he loved,” his family said in a statement released through the governor’s office. “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.”
Robbins Lumber is a family-owned mill that has operated in the midcoast town of Searsmont since 1881.
MSI previously reported that the fire and explosion at the mill killed a firefighter and injured at least 11 others on the day of the incident, and that the state fire marshal later classified the fire as accidental and originating from a silo.