Fall River Fire Department releases comprehensive report on Gabriel House fire including lessons learned, recommendations for improvement

Fall River, MA – The Fall River Fire Department has released its After Action Report on the Gabriel House fire, a comprehensive review of the multi-alarm incident that occurred earlier this year.

According to a release by the City of Fall River, 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.

“The Gabriel House Fire tested our department and our community in profound ways,” said Fire Chief Jeff Bacon. “This report is about learning and improving, but it’s also about recognizing the courage, professionalism, and teamwork shown by every firefighter on that scene. Lives were saved that night because of their actions.”

Chief Bacon also expressed his gratitude to the Fall River Police Department and Fall River EMS for their critical roles in the response. “Countless 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.”

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.

The After Action Report is available for public download through the Fall River Fire Department’s section of City of Fall River website and can be accessed at:
https://www.fallriverma.gov/departments/public_safety/fire_department/index.php

Fall River Firefighter Union President Michael O’Reagan issued the following statement after the report was released.

“After reviewing the report, one fact is undeniable — our fire departments continue to operate with dangerously low staffing levels. We remain committed to working with our local elected officials and urge them to uphold their responsibility to public safety by ensuring compliance with the NFPA 1710 standard. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of those affected, and a full statement will be released later this week.”