A devastating fire broke out at the Gabriel House Assisted Living Facility, located at 261 Oliver Street in Fall River, Massachusetts, on Sunday, July 13, 2025, just before 10 p.m. The fast-moving blaze, classified as a General Alarm Fire and Mass Casualty Incident (MCI), trapped multiple residents and resulted in several individuals suffering severe burn injuries, according to local emergency services and media reports.
Firefighters arriving at the scene encountered heavy fire conditions in the large, H-shaped wooden building, which houses approximately 100 units. The Fall River Fire Department escalated the response to a fourth alarm, recalling all off-duty personnel to assist with rescue and suppression efforts. Crews were seen breaking windows and carrying residents down stairs as they worked urgently to evacuate the elderly and infirm occupants.
Multiple fire departments from nearby towns provided mutual aid, while an EMS task force was deployed to manage the high number of victims. Local hospitals were placed on high alert to accommodate a significant influx of patients, some with life-threatening injuries. The Fall River Fire Department confirmed multiple injuries and fatalities, though the full extent of the casualties remains unclear as rescue and recovery operations continue.
Emergency crews remain on the scene, battling the blaze and conducting ongoing rescue efforts. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and investigations are expected to follow once the situation is stabilized.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.