KFR IAFF Local 5352

05/30/2026

The Village: Arundel, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport
3 towns, 1 community
KFR IAFF Local 5352

05/30/2026

A-Shift is just coming back into town after a vehicle fire on the Maine Turnpike Southbound. E2, SQ1, C1 responded on the call.

05/26/2026

FMO Releases Preliminary Findings in Robbins Lumber Fire and Explosion Investigation

FMO Investigators and ATF Special Agents worked throughout the Memorial Day weekend at the scene of the Robbins Lumber fire and explosion in Searsmont. During that time, personnel paused to honor Morrill Firefighter Andrew Cross and remember military members who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.

The Office of State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, To***co, Fi****ms and Explosives National Response Team began demobilization operations on Monday following completion of the initial scene examination. While the on-scene phase of the investigation concluded, the investigation itself remains active and ongoing. Over the weekend, crane operations were completed to lift and move the silo structure, allowing investigators access to areas critical to the scene examination and the evidence recovery effort.

Based on the information obtained to date, the cause of the fire is considered accidental. Investigators believe the fire originated in the area of the unloader mechanism at the base of the silo. Before fire suppression operations could fully contain the smoldering fire, a rapid ignition of suspended particulate material resulted in an explosion within the silo. Investigators determined during the explosion that the silo lifted from its concrete base, releasing large amounts of sawdust and additional particulate material. The silo then toppled over, at which point the surrounding area became rapidly engulfed in fire. The fire rapidly spread to adjacent buildings and structures within the mill complex, contributing to the extensive damage to multiple buildings.

In the coming months, investigators will return to the facility to conduct a more detailed examination of the unloader systems, which may include additional testing in coordination with insurance representatives and additional technical experts to further identify a cause. Investigators also determined the facility’s fire suppression system, which was located near the top of the silo, did not activate because temperatures at that elevation did not reach the activation threshold after the fire originated at the base of the silo.

The investigation is expected to remain open while follow-up analysis, testing, reports, and coordination continue. Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) requests related to the investigation will be directed to the ATF. The Office of State Fire Marshal will be coordinating with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) regarding firefighter safety and has initiated the line-of-duty death review processes.

Additionally, investigators learned through interviews that John Ward, initially identified as a mill employee, responded as a member of the Lincolnville Fire Department, and was not affiliated with the mill.

Our thoughts remain with Firefighter Cross’s family, fellow firefighters, and the injured individuals continuing their recovery.

05/26/2026

Avoid the area, crews working mutual aid.

05/26/2026

05/20/2026

KFR along with KPD visited Kennebunk Middle School for career day. Students were able to learn the basics of the process of becoming a police officer or a firefighter. Students also got to see a few trucks as well as a demonstration of how we don our gear.

05/18/2026

🚒👢 Kennebunk Fire Rescue Local 5352 is proud to support the MDA Fill the Boot campaign! 👢🚒

Join us as we hit the streets to help raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and support individuals and families affected by neuromuscular diseases. Every donation helps make a difference.

📍 Locations: WHC Fire Station & Central Fire Station
📅 Dates: May 22 & May 25

Keep an eye out for our firefighters and help us Fill the Boot for MDA! Every dollar counts and your support means everything.

SupportMDA Kennebunk FirefightersGivingBack

05/15/2026

A-Shift assisted in Biddeford this morning at an all hands fire.