The Fall River Fire Department on Monday released a comprehensive review of the tragic blaze that tore through Gabriel House in July, killing 10 people and injuring dozens of others.
According to Fall River Fire Chief Jeff Bacon, the report reflects months of collaboration and analysis aimed at identifying lessons learned and opportunities for improvement, while recognizing the exceptional efforts of all emergency personnel involved in the response at the assisted living facility on Sunday, July 13.
โThe Gabriel House Fire tested our department and our community in profound ways,โ Bacon said in a statement. โThis report is about learning and improving, but itโs also about recognizing the courage, professionalism, and teamwork shown by every firefighter on that scene. Lives were saved that night because of their actions.โ Bacon added, โCountless lives were saved because police officers assisted in evacuations and rescues, and because our EMS personnel excelled in patient care under incredibly difficult conditions. Their efforts made a tremendous difference.โ
Chief Bacon noted that the report serves not only as a reflection on the incident, but also as a call to action for changes that must be made to better protect our most vulnerable citizens living in high-risk occupancies throughout the Commonwealth.
