On July 15, the Ayer Fire Department was called to a multi-family building on Columbia Street that had a six-alarm fire.

In less than two minutes, Engine 2 arrived to discover a massive fire that had spread to the roof and attic. As firefighters began a vigorous inside attack and then switched to master streams to contain the fire, other mutual assistance units responded. Later, crews went back inside to finish the overhaul and extinguishment.

Although there were no reported casualties, the building was deemed untenable, all inhabitants were evacuated, and some pets were still missing. The cause of the fire is still being looked into.