An internal review calls the Fall River five-alarm fire that killed 10 “one of the most complex” in department history, citing 53 rescues and recommending code changes for high-risk sites

By Hadley Barndollar
masslive.com

FALL RIVER, Mass. — The Fall River Fire Department on Monday released an internal review of its response to the Gabriel House assisted living fire that killed 10 people in July.

The report called the July 13 five-alarm blaze at 261 Oliver Street “one of the most complex and challenging incidents in Fall River Fire Department history.”

A chronological breakdown of the evening shows at 9:45 p.m., “send me everybody” was indicated across radio and dispatch traffic — approximately eight minutes after the first fire alarm activation.

| ‘Send me everybody': Timeline, audio of fatal Mass. assisted-living facility fire released

The report details the rescues of 53 people, many of whom had mobility challenges and cognitive impairments, “by either being carried down ladders or down hallways and stairs.” Without the decisive actions of fire, police and EMS personnel, “the loss of life would have been far greater,” the report said.

It also recounts challenges of Gabriel House’s wood-frame construction type, as well as mutual aid for mass-casualty incidents, scene command and communication during rapidly deteriorating fire conditions.

The report offers recommended legislative actions and code changes for assisted living facilities and other high-risk occupancies, including group homes, boarding houses, day cares, sober homes and shelters.

| MORE: How to get the most out of your AAR

“Ultimately, the Gabriel House fire serves as a testament to the professionalism and dedication of first responders,” Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon wrote. “Applying the lessons learned and recommendations from this incident can help any fire department respond more effectively to complex emergencies and safeguard both personnel and the communities they serve.”

Fall River’s report is separate from the ongoing investigation into the fire by the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office and Department of Fire Services . The report notes it does not address insurance issues, property loss evaluations, or post-fire civil or criminal investigations — all expected to eventually be addressed by the aforementioned probe.

Read the full report below:

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