A fire at an assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, claimed the lives of nine residents on Sunday night, July 13th, prompting a large-scale emergency response and an ongoing investigation into the cause.
Gabriel House, a three-story nonprofit residence for elderly individuals, has been operating since 1999 and is regulated by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging & Independence. The blaze broke out around 9:30 p.m., and when emergency crews arrived, they encountered flames pouring from the building’s main entrance, with residents calling for help from the windows.
Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon described the scene as crews arrived, noting they were met with “heavy fire” and saw multiple residents “hanging out the windows” in need of rescue.
More than 30 residents were transported to area hospitals, one in critical condition. Five firefighters mainly sustained minor injuries and have since been released. The fire department noted that upwards of 30 off-duty personnel and every police officer in the city responded to assist with rescues.
The building housed approximately 70 residents at the time. Although the fire was primarily contained to one wing, smoke damage affected the entire structure. Firefighters faced challenges during the operation, including air conditioners blocking window access and the presence of several oxygen tanks throughout the facility.
Bacon emphasized the dangers of smoke during fires, pointing out that it “kills more people than fire does” and urging the public to take smoke alarms seriously.
The Massachusetts State Police and the State Fire Marshal’s office are assisting with the investigation. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the building’s alarm and sprinkler systems functioned properly at the time of the incident.
In a statement, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey expressed sympathy for the victims’ families, saying her heart goes out to those facing “the most horrific news imaginable” and praised first responders for their “heroic efforts.”
Families seeking information about residents have been directed to St. Anne’s Hospital, located across the street from the facility. They may also call 508-674-5741 for assistance.
