A devastating five-alarm fire tore through the Gabriel House assisted-living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, on July 13, claiming the lives of 10 residents—ranging in age from 61 to 86—and injuring more than 30 others, including five firefighters.
First responders arrived to a scene of chaos and desperation, finding residents trapped behind windows, some screaming for help. Thick smoke rapidly filled the hallways, forcing firefighters to suspend rescue efforts via ground ladders amid deteriorating conditions.
Survivors now allege that staff members “just ran” from the blaze without warning residents or knocking on doors.
Roughly 70 residents were evacuated and taken to local shelters and reunification centers. Officials are working to provide temporary housing, restore access to medications, and coordinate long-term relocation support for displaced residents.
As well as workers apparently fleeing the scene, reports have emerged of an alleged lack of fire drills at the facility, while a firefighters union said inadequate staffing hindered the response to the blaze.
Paul Lanzikos, a former Massachusetts Secretary of Elder Affairs and co-founder of the advocacy group Dignity Alliance, said the group was concerned by reports about the apparent lack of fire drills as well a low number of staff for a highly dependent population and safety issues such as a broken elevator and air conditioners in the windows.
Fox News reported that about 50 firefighters responded to the scene at around 9:50 p.m., including 30 who were off duty. Police also helped break down doors and carried about a dozen residents to safety. Five injured firefighters were released from the hospital Monday.
Edward Kelly, president of the national firefighters union, said eight additional firefighters would have been on scene if national staffing recommendations were followed.
Capt. Frank O’Reagan said there was no breathing equipment available when he arrived, so he started going door to door on the third floor without an air tank until the smoke got to him.
O’Reagan’s brother and fellow firefighter Michael O’Reagan said he was shocked that 40 minutes after firefighters arrived, a large part of the building had not been searched.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by a coalition of state and local authorities, including the Fall River Fire Department, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Bristol County District Attorney. Investigators are also examining whether the facility complied with fire safety regulations.
