Findings from official report on Fall River assisted living fire praises response, but flags major staffing concerns

"This incident stands as a testament to the strength of coordination and teamwork among the city's public safety departments,"

"While multiple challenges were encountered including building construction and complex evacuations, decisive actions by command and crews mitigated further loss of life."

"was critical in creating tenable conditions for subsequent rescue operations and likely saved multiple lives."

"unusually quiet,"

Ten people died in the Gabriel House assisted living fire in Fall River on July 13. Fall River Fire Department and EMS conducted coordinated rescue operations that evacuated 53 residents: 27 carried down ladders and 26 escorted down hallways and stairs. A district chief called for additional crews upon arrival after dispatch information. Crews knocked down the lobby and eastern hallway fire, creating tenable conditions that likely saved multiple lives. Challenges included a damaged elevator lobby, building layout, AC units blocking larger windows, and staffing levels; many residents were removed through smaller bathroom windows. The department chose not to enhance sprinkler flow during the response.

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