Tragic Fire Claims Nine Lives at Massachusetts Assisted-Living Facility

On Sunday night, July 13, 2025, a devastating fire swept through the Gabriel House assisted-living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, resulting in the tragic deaths of nine individuals and injuring at least 30 others. The blaze, which started around 9:50 PM ET, engulfed the building, prompting a frantic response from both residents and emergency services as many found themselves trapped inside, some calling for help from windows.
The Fall River Fire Department received multiple emergency calls reporting heavy smoke and flames at the three-story facility, which houses approximately 70 residents. Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon stated that about 50 firefighters, including 30 who were off-duty, responded to the scene. Upon arrival, they encountered significant challenges, including dense smoke and intense heat, complicating rescue operations.
Lorraine Ferrara, a resident who narrowly escaped, recounted her harrowing experience. She was awakened by a neighbor's urgent knocks and attempted to navigate the smoke-filled hallway. "It was filled with smoke. I opened the window as far as I could, yelling 'Help! Help! Second floor!,'" Ferrara recalled. Fortunately, a firefighter was able to rescue her from her second-floor window, saving her life.
The Gabriel House, which opened in 1999, was designed to provide affordable assisted living options for seniors, many of whom have significant medical needs. Governor Maura Healey expressed her condolences and emphasized the need for state assistance in rehousing the affected residents, stating, "All of these people need assistance. As you saw, many were in wheelchairs, many were immobile, many had oxygen tanks. They were severely compromised individuals in this assisted-living facility."
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and terrifying, with residents desperately seeking safety as flames engulfed the building. Some residents were seen hanging out of windows, while police and firefighters worked to break down doors and carry individuals to safety. However, there were reports from survivors that staff members did little to assist during the crisis. Robert Cabral, a resident, stated, "They didn't knock on one door; they just ran."
In the aftermath of the fire, the community has been left in shock. Rev. Michael Racine, the city's fire chaplain, remarked on the severity of the incident, stating, "Nobody in that department has seen what we saw last night. We've seen fatalities, which we don't want to see, but nobody's seen anything like last night."
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with officials conducting a thorough review of the facility's safety protocols. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging and Independence is also involved in assessing the facility's compliance with safety regulations. Governor Healey assured that the state would provide any necessary support to assist the city and the affected residents during this difficult time.
As the investigation continues, the implications of this tragic event are profound, raising questions about the safety and preparedness of assisted-living facilities, particularly for vulnerable populations. The Fall River community, once a thriving industrial hub, now faces another challenge as it mourns lives lost and seeks answers. The Gabriel House fire stands as a stark reminder of the importance of robust safety measures in facilities housing individuals with significant care needs, and the community must come together to ensure such a tragedy does not occur again.
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