Significant questions raised into Fall River Gabriel House’s sprinkler system

The Gabriel House fire, which occurred on July 13th in Fall River, and resulted in 10 resident deaths, has raised significant questions about the building’s sprinkler system, particularly regarding inspections, maintenance, and functionality.

According to WCVB, an annual visual inspection of the sprinklers was conducted on July 8th—just five days before the fire—and the system was reported as being in working order, with no unusual signs or leaks noted.

However, during this inspection, the contractor alerted Etzkorn that the required five-year internal assessment had not been performed in the previous five years.

This internal inspection was not included in the facility’s contract with Fire Systems Inc., and there was no five-year tag on the system.

Etzkorn has provided all safety records to investigators, but the lack of this deeper inspection has been highlighted as a potential compliance failure.

WCVB noted that on the night of the fire, the sprinkler in the second-floor unit where the blaze originated (possibly due to smoking materials near an oxygen concentrator) did not activate, allowing the fire to spread rapidly into a five-alarm incident.

Police body camera footage showed water on the floor in some areas, indicating that at least portions of the system operated, but it failed to contain the fire effectively.

Several sprinkler heads were removed for laboratory analysis as part of the ongoing probe.

WCVB stated that the sprinklers were recalled in the late 1990s and early 2000s due to potential defects, and these were reportedly not replaced.

Industry experts, including from the National Fire Sprinkler Association, have noted that no multiple-fatality fires have occurred in structures with properly installed and maintained systems, underscoring the scrutiny on Gabriel House’s setup.

Multiple lawsuits have been filed by survivors and families against Etzkorn, Gabriel Care LLC, and Fire Systems Inc., alleging gross negligence.

Despite reports that the sprinkler system was installed and maintained by Fire Systems Inc., a source familiar with the situation stated that FSI did not install the fire sprinkler system at Gabriel House and was not contracted by Gabriel House to maintain its fire sprinkler system. 

The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office and Massachusetts Department of Fire Services continue to investigate the deadly fire.

No criminal charges have been announced, and officials have declined further comment pending the probe’s completion.