Fall River fire report praises response but raises staffing concerns

The Fall River Fire Department’s “decisive actions” during the Gabriel House assisted living fire that claimed 10 lives likely saved dozens more, according to a new report on the department’s operational response to the July fire.

The After Action report generally lauded the response of firefighters and Fall River EMS late on the night of July 13. First responders carried 27 residents of the assisted living facility down ladders and 26 residents down hallways and stairs, the report said.

“This incident stands as a testament to the strength of coordination and teamwork among the city’s public safety departments,” the report said. “While multiple challenges were encountered including building construction and complex evacuations, decisive actions by command and crews mitigated further