PORTLAND, Maine– The co-owner of a Maine sawmill has died from injuries he suffered during a fire and explosion at the facility, bringing the death toll to three.

Alden J. Robbins died Thursday from injuries he suffered in the May 15 fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, according to statements Friday from Maine Gov. Janet Mills and the Robbins family. The fire sent plumes of black smoke into the sky and required the response of hundreds of firefighters in a rural area of ​​the state.

Two firefighters died from injuries sustained while fighting the fire. They were Searsmont Deputy Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury, 76; and Andrew Cross, 27, of the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department. Ten people were injured, including Robbins’ daughter Lily.

“Alden was the heart of our family in many ways, and nothing mattered to him more than the people he loved,” his family said. “Throughout his battle, he fought with extraordinary courage and determination, holding on so his family could spend precious time with him. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by those who loved him.”

The investigation into the fire is ongoing. Authorities have said the fire was accidental and started at the base of a silo.

The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office said the rapid ignition of the particulate matter caused an explosion in the silo that caused it to lift from its concrete base and release large amounts of sawdust and other materials. Then the silo collapsed and the surrounding area was engulfed in fire.

Mills said Robbins was a leader in Maine’s timber industry for decades, “and a devoted steward of one of our state’s most storied companies.”

“My heart goes out to his family, including his father and former company president, James Robbins, Alden’s wife, Amy, and their six children,” Mills said in a statement. “I ask the people of Maine to join me in keeping the Robbins family and everyone affected by this tragedy in their hearts and prayers during this difficult time.”