Story perspectives

Robbins Lumber Fire Kills Two, Silos Explode, Suppression Fails

6/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Investigators say the May 15 Robbins Lumber fire started at an unloader mechanism and caused a silo explosion that lifted the silo.
Assistant Chief Wayne Woodbury, 76, and volunteer firefighter Andrew Cross, 27, died in the blaze, while at least ten others, including first responders and co-owners, were injured.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office, with federal partners and NIOSH, continues the probe and reports the fire suppression system failed to activate.

History

Historical Context

The March 25 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in Manhattan killed 146 garment workers, prompting Governor William Sulzer and the Factory Investigating Commission—led by Robert F. Wagner and Al Smith—to enact 38 new safety laws. Those reforms mandated fire alarms, sprinklers and unlocked exits, shaping modern fire codes that now guide investigations of incidents such as the 2024 Robbins Lumber blaze in Washington.

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Story summary

Investigators say the May 15 Robbins Lumber fire started at an unloader mechanism and caused a silo explosion that lifted the silo.
Assistant Chief Wayne Woodbury, 76, and volunteer firefighter Andrew Cross, 27, died in the blaze, while at least ten others, including first responders and co-owners, were injured.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office, with federal partners and NIOSH, continues the probe and reports the fire suppression system failed to activate.

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