ASHLAND, MA — January 28th — At a structural fire at JB Sawmill on Fruit Street, the Ashland Fire Department offered mutual aid. The roughly 150-foot-long structure had fallen by the time first units arrived, forcing crews to switch to defensive operations. To confine the fire, firefighters set up a consistent water supply and worked from outside positions.

During prolonged operations, crews had to deal with frozen equipment and ice circumstances while working in temperatures close to 10 degrees. Along with further assistance from the Milford, Westborough, Southborough, and Hopedale fire departments, Ashland supported the Hopkinton fire department. The fire was contained by concerted efforts. After clearing the area, units eventually went back into duty.