Fire Claims 10 Lives at Fall River Assisted Living Facility Fall River, MA — July 13, 2025

A five-alarm fire tore through Gabriel House Assisted Living in Fall River late Sunday night, killing ten elderly residents and injuring over thirty others. The blaze began around 9:50 p.m. on the second floor, with officials citing smoking materials and a battery-powered oxygen machine as likely causes.

Many residents were trapped and had to be rescued by ladder. Six firefighters were among the injured. Authorities say the fire was accidental but worsened by oxygen in use.

Gabriel House had a history of safety violations and was previously decertified. In response to the tragedy, Governor Maura Healey ordered a statewide review of assisted-living fire safety protocols.

This marks Massachusetts’ deadliest fire in over 40 years.