Maine Paramedic Injured In Recent Explosion Facing Intense Long-Term Hospitalization, Rehab

by Ted Cohen | Jun 22, 2026

Searsmont EMS Chief Sarah Tompkins is facing up to six more months in intensive care from injuries in the lumber mill fire that killed two firefighters.

Tompkins remains hospitalized at Maine Medical Center as she continues recovering from severe injuries suffered in the May 15 Robbins Lumber explosion.

Tompkins sustained devastating third-degree burns over 60 percent of her body during the explosion and remains under intensive medical care.

She may face six months in the intensive care unit, followed by an additional four to six months of rehabilitation before she can return home, according to a national website monitoring her recovery.

The longtime EMS chief was among the first responders injured while battling the massive fire and explosion that killed two firefighters and injured numerous others.

Andrew Cross, 27, of the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department and Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury, 76, died from their injuries.

Authorities have said the accidental fire originated at the base of a silo.

Rapid ignition of sawdust resulted in an explosion in the silo that caused it to lift from its concrete base, releasing large amounts of debris, state officials said.

The silo then toppled and the surrounding area became engulfed in the fire, the fire marshal said.

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