State Allocates $1.2 Million to Boost Fall River Firefighting After Tragic Gabriel House Fire

FALL RIVER ─ After a behind-closed-door briefing with Gov. Maura Healey by Fall River government officials and public safety staff regarding last week’s fatal Gabriel House fire and its aftermath, it was announced that the state will be providing $1.2 million to the city to help increase firefighting manpower.

According to Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon, the funds will be used to help cover overtime expenses. Last week, Mayor Paul Coogan agreed to increase manpower on fire apparatus from three to four firefighters after the firefighters’ union asserted that more lives could have been saved with additional staffing.

Nine people lost their lives and over 30 residents were hospitalized in the state’s deadliest fire in years that occurred on July 13.

Video and police body camera images show incredible heroism by local public safety staff.

That heroism did not go without notice by Healey.

“The number would have been unbelievably high if it were not for the skill and dedication of that response by the first responders,” said Healey.

The governor also authorized the expedited release of $5.7 million to nine eligible communities that include Fall River from the municipal public safety staff program for both fire and police departments.

Healey also discussed that on Monday her administration put together a statewide fire and safety initiative.

“These are steps to ensure that all 273 assisted living facilities in the state are prepared to prevent fires and protect residents during emergencies,” said Healey.

Each of those facilities must show compliance regarding assisted living facilities that include sprinkler systems and evacuation protocol.

The facilities have been directed to provide a letter to residents and their families regarding their fire safety protocols.

The governor said she has directed the head of the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, Robin Lipson, to identify additional regulations that could further provide safety to residents in assisted living facilities.

Debriefing 

Also attending the debriefing of the governor were cabinet members, Chief Bacon, Police Chief Kelly Furtado, members of the state delegation, as well as representatives from the city’s building inspectional services.

“It was productive. I think they got a lot of good ideas, and everyone was able to say what they wanted to say,” said Coogan.

The city’s officials and non-profits have done yeoman’s work in assisting the victims and their families with services and donations, which has not let up.

And the help continued.

Healy’s office had been contacted by the family of a victim who perished in the fire, looking for photographs from their loved one’s room at the Gabriel House that continues to be the site of a continuing investigation. They were looking for photographs for the family member’s funeral service.

Leaving the meeting, Glenn Hathaway, the city’s building official, said he was heading to the cordoned-off facility to retrieve the mementos.