Victim’s name released in early morning fire in Fall River

According to Gregg Miliote of the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, an 88-year-old Fall River man has been identified as the victim of a fatal fire, which occurred early this morning in The City of Fall River.

Fall River Firefighters responded to 11 Palmer Street around 4:30 a.m. today for a reported fire in a single family home at that address. Although firefighters were able to knock down the blaze within 15 minutes, 88-year-old William Graham was unable to escape and died in the blaze.

Fall River Fire Chief John Lynch fell through the floor and occurred serious injures, but he is now resting at home and recuperating.

The man’s cat, who had thought to have perished in the fire, has been located.

Robin Brouillard-Bettencourt who was William’s caretaker stated that he will definitely be missed.

“My Papa Bill was my family. In my heart he was a Dad to me and I was his daughter to him. I’ve known him since I was 13 years old. I was his health care proxy.”

Although the cause of the fire appears to be accidental, the investigation remains active and ongoing.