Fall River, Massachusetts (Agencies) 14 July 2025 – A devastating fire tore through the Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River late Sunday night, claiming the lives of nine residents and injuring at least 30 others, according to local officials. The blaze, described by authorities as an “unfathomable tragedy,” prompted a massive emergency response and left the community reeling.
Firefighters arrived at the three-story facility around 9:50 p.m., encountering heavy flames at the main entrance and multiple residents hanging out of windows, pleading for rescue. “Crews were met with heavy fire… and multiple people looking to be rescued,” said Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon, who confirmed the fatalities and injuries during a press briefing.
Among the injured were five firefighters, who sustained mostly minor injuries while evacuating residents. Mayor Paul Coogan praised the emergency teams for their swift action, noting that many residents required assistance to escape the building. “A five-star effort got as many people out as we could,” he said.
Gabriel House, which opened in 1999, housed approximately 70 residents at the time of the fire. The facility is known for its 24-hour staffing and is required by state law to maintain sufficient personnel to manage emergencies and meet resident needs.
The Massachusetts State Police, along with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. Officials said the blaze reached five alarms, drawing about 50 firefighters, including 30 off-duty personnel, to the scene.
A family reunification center has been established at St. Anne’s Hospital, where loved ones can seek information about residents. Authorities have urged families to use the hospital’s emergency entrance for access.
“This is an unfathomable tragedy for the families involved and the Fall River community,” Chief Bacon said in a written statement. “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 incident marks one of the deadliest fires in the city’s recent history and has prompted renewed scrutiny of safety protocols in assisted living facilities across Massachusetts.