BREAKING: Area Departments Responding To Fire & Possible Explosion at Searsmont Lumber Mill

Update: 4:04pm: Officials say at least 10 people, including firefighters, have been injured after an explosion and massive fire at a lumber mill in Searsmont. The Thorndike Fire Department says multiple fire trucks have also been destroyed.

According to WGME, the fire started in the wood shavings area where they are packaged in plastic bags than extended to a silo which caused a explosion.

Update 12:15pm: Statement from Rep. Chellie Pingree; My heart is with the Searsmont community as officials respond to a reported mass casualty incident at Robbins Lumber.

Details are still limited. Please follow updates from local authorities, avoid the area, and keep those impacted and the first responders in your thoughts.

Update: At least 7 people have been transported to area hospitals in critical condition. One of the people have been transported by LifeFlight.

BREAKING: Searsmont, Maine - We're getting word that multiple area departments are responding to fire and possible explosion at Searsmont lumber mill Robbins Lumber on Friday, May 15th, 2026 in Searsmont, Maine.

Fire departments from the region have responded to the scene including Knox departments Rockport, Camden, Rockland and Thomaston.

Multiple injuries reported.

Fire marshal units have been called to scene.

Stay with us for further updates.

USDA Distributes Oral Rabies Vaccine for Wildlife in Northern Maine

AUGUSTA-- In cooperation with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services' Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), officials from U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Wildlife Services will begin to distribute oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits this week. USDA Wildlife Services will distribute nearly 450,000 ORV baits in Aroostook County from May 13 through May 22.

This spring ORV bait distribution is in addition to the annual fall distribution and is in

'Maine Comfort Dog Baxter Honored May 30 with Portrait Unveiling, Community Tribute and Fundraiser'

'Maine Comfort Dog Baxter Honored May 30 with Portrait Unveiling, Community Tribute and Fundraiser', 25 %Sales this day to benefit Hero Pups

Baxter set the standard for what comfort dogs can do. Now it’s about making sure more communities have access to that same level of care.””

— Brad Sterl

PORTLAND, ME, UNITED STATES, May 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Maine Comfort Dog Baxter to Be Honored with Portrait Unveiling and Community Tribute Event in Portland, Maine at Woof Play Eat

Baxter, widely recognized as Maine’s first full-

University of New England and Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences Announce Partnership

The partnership would expand pathways to Podiatric Medicine.

These collaborations provide clearer pathways, greater access, and meaningful opportunities for students to advance into careers in health care.”

— Beth Taylor-Nolan, Dean of UNE Online

PORTLAND, ME, UNITED STATES, May 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The University of New England (UNE), an independent university in Maine, and Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU) have entered a new partnership that expands pathways for UNE students pursuing careers in health sciences.

Through this agreement, students enrolled in UNE’s

Governor Mills & Treasurer Perry Announce Affirmation of Maine's Strong Credit Ratings by Moody's, S&P Global

Ratings by top credit agencies demonstrate Maine's prudent budgeting and healthy reserves achieved under Governor Mills

Governor Janet Mills and State Treasurer Joseph Perry announced today that top international credit rating agencies Moody's and S&P Global Ratings have confirmed their strong bond credit ratings for the State of Maine.

In its affirmation statement, S&P credited Maine's AA rating to "its responsive budget

MaineDOT to Replace Crocker Brook Bridge in Dixmont

DIXMONT- May 7, 2026 - Starting May 18, the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) will begin replacing the Crocker Brook Bridge with a precast box culvert.

During the project, one-way alternating traffic will be in place on U.S. 202 (Western Avenue) in Dixmont near Crocker Brook.

The contractor for this project is Wyman and Simpson of Richmond, Maine.

The contract amount is $1,752,444.00.

MaineDOT to Replace Railroad Crossing in Rockland

ROCKLAND- May 5, 2026 - The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) will conduct work to replace a railroad crossing with a new concrete crossing in Rockland from May 13 to May 15.

During this time, South Main Street in Rockland will be closed to traffic. Drivers should follow the detour signs on site.

Traffic will be detoured around local roads: Mechanic Street, Crescent Street, Scott Street, and Ocean Street.

Message boards will be used to warn drivers of the closure. This project will improve the current railroad crossing and allow for a smoother transition for vehicle traffic traveling through the crossing.

The contractor on this project is Maine Track Maintenance.