Special Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives National Response Team have joined the investigation into the Searsmont fire.
The ATF will help the state Fire Marshal in a joint investigation of the lumber mill fire and explosion that left one firefighter dead and 10 injured.
The state department says the ATF is providing specialized resources, including forensic scientists and computer modeling experts, to support the complex investigations.
The state Fire Marshal says they expect their operations to continue throughout this week, with investigators remaining on the scene.
“We recognize the importance of this investigation to the victims, their families, the employees of Robbins Lumber, the local community, and the many agencies involved in the response,” the state Fire Marshal’s Office said in a statement. “We owe the people of Maine a thorough, professional, and methodical investigation…The impact of this emergency will be felt for years to come.”
