Encouraging news for firefighter Katie Paige following her latest surgery related to potentially life-threatening injuries she suffered in the Robbins Lumber explosion May 15 in Searsmont.
Paige successfully came out of surgery and is now recovering, according to a national website following her case.
Doctors determined that no additional major procedures are needed, as her right palm has been healing better than expected on its own.
Surgeons performed skin grafts on Paige’s left hand and the top of her right hand.
Medical staff told the family this is expected to be her final surgery.
If her recovery continues to progress well, Paige could be released from the hospital and return home soon.
Paige, a volunteer firefighter for the Belmont and Northport fire departments, is recovering at Maine Medical Center after being severely injured in the explosion.
Paige recently moved out of the ICU and is taking small steps toward a long recovery.
She was waiting to enter the basement of a burning silo when a dust explosion erupted at the mill, killing one firefighter.
Paige suffered severe burns to her face and hands, requiring multiple surgeries and skin grafts.
Paul Paige, her husband, said earlier this month that she was moved out of the ICU into a private room.
Paige has been sitting up, eating, and engaging with visitors, though she still experiences significant pain, her family said.
The brave volunteer was named Maine’s firefighter of the year in 2025.
Firefighter Andrew Cross, 27, of the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department, tragically died in the massive explosion that nearly mortally wounded Paige.
Cross and other first responders were actively suppressing a fire inside a silo when the explosion occurred, injuring a dozen other people.
Who pays the medical bills of volunteer firefighters?
That’s been an issue in some places — it’s considered workers compensation in cities with paid departments, but volunteers aren’t employees..