A fiery explosion rocked a lumber mill in Searsmont, Maine, on Friday, prompting an ongoing investigation by authorities.
Details regarding the number of injuries or fatalities have not been disclosed by officials as of now.
The Camden Fire & Rescue team confirmed their involvement, stating that they have dispatched a crew to assist with the incident.
“Our thoughts are with the injured, the medical professionals providing care, and the first responders working diligently to manage the situation,” the department expressed in a Facebook statement. “We expect our team to be engaged in support efforts for several days.”
Local news outlets, including WABI, have reported multiple injuries stemming from the explosion.
Ben Hamel, the mill’s purchasing manager, told the Bangor Daily News that the fire started in an area where wood shavings are packaged. The fire then spread to a nearby dust silo, which exploded.
The cause of the fire has not yet been released.
A trooper at the scene told bystanders there is a “major fuel leak” and urged them to move away from the area, according to the outlet.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills posted on X noting she has been briefed on the unfolding situation.
“I urge folks to stay clear of the area, follow the instructions of law enforcement, and allow emergency personnel to respond,” Mills wrote in a statement on X. “I ask Maine people to join me in keeping all those affected in their thoughts.”
Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, added he is “praying for the safety and well-being of first responders and everyone else on-site.”
“I’m aware of the fire and explosion in Searsmont,” Golden wrote in an X post. “I ask locals to follow law enforcement instructions, and to look to official channels and trusted sources for more information as it becomes available.”
The cause of the fire is unknown, as of Friday afternoon. (WABI)
Searsmont is a small rural town about one and a half hours northeast of Portland and about four hours north of Boston.
Maine State Police and the Augusta Fire Department did not immediately respond to additional inquiries from Fox News Digital.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.