WCTB

Fire investigators from the Office of State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives continue their investigation at the scene of the Robbins Lumber fire and explosion in Searsmont.

The current work focused on interviews, scene excavation, and evidence recovery. Investigators also continued examining the facility’s fire suppression systems and related infrastructure as part of the ongoing origin and cause investigation.

Investigators have now sifted through hundreds of cubic yards of sawdust and debris by hand and with heavy equipment in an extremely labor-intensive operation. Crews continue to carefully excavate material within the silo areas to preserve and document potential evidence. One crane arrived on scene today, and a second crane required for planned lifting operations involving the silo structure is expected to arrive on Friday. Crews also spent the day conducting preparatory work and evaluating site safety ahead of the lifting operation.

The Fire Marshal’s office says additional updates will be released as appropriate.