FALL RIVER, MASS. (WHDH) - The Fall River fire department released a 26-page report about the deadly fire which broke out at the Gabriel House in July.
“It’s the first time in my knowledge the department has put together an after action report,” said Fall River Fire Chief Jeff Bacon.
The report was released three months after the state’s deadliest fire in decades. Ten residents were killed when the assisted living facility went up in flames on July 13, 2025. Fifty three others were rescued.
“Because of the scope and magnitude of the Gabriel House fire, we thought it was appropriate to do an after action report,” said Bacon.
Bacon said the report outlines what went right, the challenges first responders faced, and what they can learn from the tragedy.
“There’s no finger-pointing in this report. It’s what we did well and what we can do to ensure this doesn’t happen again,” said Bacon.
“I think it was a comprehensive assessment of what went on from the fire to the present almost,” said Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan. “And looking at ways to make things stronger in the city.”
Bacon highlighted challenges for firefighters including lack of fire doors in the hallways and AC units blocking windows. He is now asking that assisted living facilites, daycares, and group homes have the same stricter fire codes as nursing homes.
“The most important thing now that I take out of it is the need for changes at the state and federal level to the codes and laws for any occupany that houses a high risk,” said Bacon.
Bacon also called for better communication, developing emergency preparedness guides, and training with ladders on second and third floor rescues.
He also said the report is about the courage and teamwork of responding firefighters, because despite the loss of life, he said many more were saved by their actions.
“The takeaway is, first of all what I’ve been saying since July 13, that the men and women of the Fall River fire department, police department, and EMS system did a remarkable job on that night against impossible odds,” said Bacon.
Bacon said moving forward, he will do whatever it takes to make sure that a fire like this does not happen again.
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