FALL RIVER, Mass. — A devastating fire at an assisted-living facility claimed nine lives and injured at least 30 others, as residents faced a chaotic and terrifying escape from the flames engulfing the building. Eyewitness accounts reveal that some individuals attempted to signal for help by leaning out of windows amid clouds of thick smoke. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the blaze, which erupted late Sunday night.
Firefighters arrived at the Gabriel House around 9:50 p.m. to find flames pouring from the structure, located about 50 miles south of Boston. The facility, which houses approximately 70 residents, was praised by some survivors for the actions of first responders, while others expressed frustration over the alleged lack of assistance from staff members.
Lorraine Ferrara, a resident trapped in her room, recalled her terrifying experience as she battled smoke filling her apartment. After being alerted by a neighbor, Ferrara tried to navigate the smoke-filled hallway but was pushed back by the heat. “I really thought I was going to die,” she said, describing how a firefighter eventually saved her by breaking a window and carrying her down a ladder.
As officials confirmed the ages of those who perished ranged from 61 to 86, residents described watching employees flee the building as chaos unfolded. Robert Cabral, who survived the fire, criticized the actions of the staff, stating, “They didn’t knock on one door. They just ran.”
Nearly 50 firefighters responded to the incident, with some being off-duty personnel who rushed to the scene. While fire officials acknowledged the challenges posed by the blaze, they also faced criticism over staffing levels. Edward Kelly, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, argued that underfunding and cuts to personnel have historically impacted emergency responses. “Lives would’ve been saved if the Fall River Fire Department was adequately staffed,” he stated.
Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon defended the department’s response timeline, asserting that no number of first responders could have changed the outcome, given the situation they encountered. Some firefighters recounted their struggles to search the building due to the overwhelming smoke, with Captain Frank O’Reagan marking a particularly grim moment when he found multiple casualties.
Local officials, including Mayor Paul Coogan, insisted that the department’s staffing was based on chief recommendations. Amid the investigation into the tragedy, the city has begun efforts to assist displaced residents, many of whom are vulnerable and dependent on support services.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey expressed her condolences and emphasized the need to prioritize housing for those affected by the fire. “All of these people need assistance,” she stated, acknowledging the particular challenges faced by residents with mobility issues.
The fire has left a scar on the Fall River community, historically a working-class city that now grapples with economic struggles. In the aftermath of the fire, survivors were relocated to temporary housing, where their grief and uncertainty were palpable. Some had lost not only their homes but also valuable medical equipment and personal belongings.
Emotions ran high as community members expressed their sorrow for individuals who had become like family. Paul Ferreira, a cook at the facility, expressed his heartbreak over the loss of residents he had served for years. “Not knowing it was the last time I was cooking for them, it’s sad,” he lamented.
As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the fire, the community remains united in grief and gratitude for the first responders who bravely faced danger to rescue those in need. The tragedy highlights the ongoing conversation about community support and emergency preparedness, ensuring that such a heartbreaking event does not happen again.