A devastating five-alarm fire ripped through the Gabriel House Assisted Living Residence in Fall River, Massachusetts, on Sunday night, July 13, 2025, resulting in the deaths of nine residents and injuries to dozens more. The blaze, which broke out around 9:30 p.m. on Oliver Street, has been described by Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon as an “unfathomable tragedy” for the families and the community. (CBS News, Mass.gov)
Upon arrival, firefighters were met with a chaotic scene: heavy flames and smoke pouring from the main entrance, and multiple residents desperately hanging from windows, screaming for rescue. Chief Bacon noted that “smoke kills more people than fire does, every day in America,” emphasizing that smoke was a significant factor in the casualties. (CBS News, NBC Boston) While the fire damage was largely contained to one wing of the three-story building, smoke permeated the entire facility. (CBS News, The Guardian)
The heroic efforts of first responders were crucial in preventing an even greater loss of life. Approximately 50 firefighters, including 30 who were off-duty and quickly responded, along with every police officer and EMS personnel in the city, engaged in extensive rescue operations. (CBS News, Mass.gov) Dozens of residents were rescued, many over ladders, from the burning building. Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan commended these “five-star efforts” that saved numerous lives. (CNN) Five firefighters sustained minor, non-life-threatening injuries during the rescue attempts and have since been released from hospitals. (USA Today)
In addition to the nine fatalities, one resident remains in critical condition, and more than 30 others were transported to local and regional hospitals with varying injuries. (Mass.gov) Some victims tragically perished within the building, while others died after being transported for medical care. (CBS News) The Gabriel House, which opened in 1999 and has 100 single-bed units, housed about 70 residents at the time of the fire. (CBS News, NBC Boston)
A family notification center has been established at the chapel of St. Anne’s Hospital, located across the street from the facility, to provide information and support to affected families. The city also opened the Timao Center shelter on Bay Street for evacuated residents. (USA Today)
The cause and origin of the fire are currently under investigation by a multi-agency team, including 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 District Attorney’s office. (Mass.gov) While the building was equipped with sprinklers, it remains unclear if the fire alarms were fully operational at the time of the incident, though they could be heard later. (CBS News) Officials noted the presence of oxygen tanks in the facility but stated they were “irrelevant” to the fire’s cause at this time, and window air conditioners posed challenges for firefighters during rescues. (CBS News)
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey expressed her condolences, stating, “My heart goes out to those who are waking up to the most horrific news imaginable about their loved ones this morning. I’m grateful to the firefighters and first responders whose heroic efforts saved lives. We are all praying for those who lost loved ones and for the full recovery of those who were injured.” (NBC Boston) Chief Bacon also highlighted the critical need for mental health support for all first responders involved, acknowledging that “Nobody is programmed to deal with this.” (CBS News)
The Fall River community, located approximately 50 miles south of Boston, is grappling with the profound impact of this tragedy as investigations continue to determine the full circumstances of the devastating fire.
