Federal report says firefighting tactics at Maine lumber mill explosion aided the blast

A federal report revealed that firefighters' tactics during a deadly explosion at a Maine lumber mill may have inadvertently contributed to the blast. The incident occurred on May 15 at Robbins Lumber in rural Searsmont, resulting in three fatalities, including two firefighters, and injuring at least 13 others. The explosion took place near the base of an oxygen-limiting silo, as indicated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) report.

Firefighters poured water and foam into the silo, which the manufacturer's emergency procedures explicitly prohibit, according to the report. The report suggests that this action likely introduced oxygen into the silo, stirred up dust, and created an explosive concentration. The report recommends that fire departments avoid directing water or foam into oxygen-limiting silos and emphasizes the need for additional training on silo hazards.

The explosion took place near Portland, about 95 miles northeast of the city, and required a significant response involving 299 firefighters from 46 departments across four counties. The company, a historic lumber manufacturer in Maine, is working to rebuild its facilities using industry experts' guidance.