- Department of Fire Services
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Jake Wark, Public Information Officer
FALL RIVER — A nighttime fire claimed multiple lives at an assisted living facility in Fall River, with numerous occupants and five firefighters transported for medical care, said Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon, Fall River Police Chief Kelly Furtado, State Fire Marshal Jon Davine, and Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III.
“This is an unfathomable tragedy for the families involved and the Fall River community,” said Chief Bacon. “On behalf of the Fall River Fire Department, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones who are grieving this morning.”
The Fall River Fire Department responded to the Gabriel House assisted living facility on Oliver Street at about 9:50 last night. The first responding companies observed heavy smoke and flames at the front of the building with occupants trapped inside. Firefighters immediately made entry, rescuing numerous occupants while suppressing the fire.
The fire went to five alarms, drawing about 50 firefighters to the scene, including about 30 who were off-duty.
Tragically, nine occupants have been declared deceased and one more is in critical condition. More than 30 others were transported to local and regional hospitals in varying conditions. Five firefighters were transported for injuries that were not life-threatening.
About 70 people resided at the facility prior to the fire. A family notification center has been set up at the chapel of St. Anne’s Hospital nearby. Families seeking information on residents can call 508-674-5741 or use the hospital's Emergency Room entrance to access the center.
The origin and cause of the fire are under investigation by the Fall River Fire Department, Fall River Police, State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and State Police assigned to the Bristol DA’s office. They are assisted by code compliance officers from the Department of Fire Services.
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