Two firefighters injured, 11 people displaced in four-alarm Fall River fire

(FALL RIVER, MA- January 29, 2022)- At 4:40 p.m. the Fall River Fire Department received a call regarding a house fire at 140 Irving Street in Fall River. This was a four-alarm fire impacting the first, second and third floor of the building. The FRFD arrived at 4:51, including 7 engines, 3 ladders, one heavy rescue vehicle, two medical rescue vehicles and a squad unit.

Fall River Police Department, Emergency Medical Services and the City’s Department of Public Works were also present at the scene.

The Fire Department experience several issues in accessing the home, including a disabled and abandoned tow truck on Irving Street. A plow truck stuck on a neighboring street also obstructed the Fire Department’s access to the scene, but was removed with assistance.

The building suffered catastrophic damage and is considered a complete loss with approximately 80% collapsed.

As of 8:30 p.m., one portion of the building was still leaning into the street and crews remain on site. No other surrounding buildings were severely impacted with only one neighboring home experiencing exposure damage.

Two firefighters experienced injuries on the scene, one while trying to force entry within the building and another during a slip and fall outside.

Fall River EMS transported one civilian from a neighboring building who complained of difficulty breathing.

The fire displaced seven adults and four children, all of whom have been housed for the night according to the Fall River EMA.

Pets were recovered in the blaze, but at least one pet hamster perished.