One year after the deadly Gabriel House fire that claimed 10 lives and displaced dozens of residents, Fall River is remembering those lost while state leaders move forward with new safety regulations designed to prevent a similar tragedy
“Today, on the one-year anniversary of the Gabriel House fire, we first and foremost think of the 10 lives lost, the traumatized residents and families, and the brave first responders who will forever carry the scars in their memories,” a local state legislator said in a statement.
The legislator said the fire underscored the need for stronger regulations governing assisted living facilities across Massachusetts.
“In the wake of the fire, we in the Legislature began conversations about what was needed going forward to not only ensure the safety of residents, but to give residents a voice for their concerns and ensure families are aware of safety measures and what is taking place in long-term assisted care facilities,” the statement said.
The Healey-Driscoll administration has since announced a series of new regulations based on recommendations from the Assisted Living Residences Commission. While some of the changes are already being implemented, others will be phased in through July 2027 to give facilities time to comply.
The new rules include annual fire inspections by local fire departments, strengthened staffing and safety requirements, clearer compliance standards, and improved transparency to help residents and families better understand the services and safety measures offered at assisted living facilities.
“We made these changes so we hopefully never have to live through such a horrific tragedy again and in honor of those who we lost,” the legislator said.
Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon has been a leading advocate for stronger oversight since the July 2025 fire. Investigators found that the absence of hallway fire doors, problems with the building’s sprinkler system, and air conditioners blocking windows all contributed to the disaster.
Ahead of the anniversary, the Fall River Fire Department conducted a demonstration showing how rapidly a fire can spread when sprinkler systems fail.
“The fire department’s involvement gives us the teeth that we need to make sure that they’re having those inspections done,” Bacon said, adding that his department will work closely with sprinkler and fire alarm experts during future inspections.
The tragedy continues to weigh heavily on survivors and the families of those who died. The fire claimed the lives of 10 residents, making it the deadliest fire in Massachusetts in more than 40 years. Those who lost their lives were Rui Albernaz, Ronald Codega, Margaret Duddy, Robert King, Kim Mackin, Richard Rochon, Eleanor Willett, Joseph Wilansky, Halina Lawler, and Brenda Cropper.
“They’re in God’s hands; they’re in a better place,” survivor and plaintiff Manuel Pimentel said. “I picture them going to a Red Sox game, and there’s no more canes or wheelchairs, no power chairs—they’re walking out.”
Gabriel House and its owner also released a statement marking the anniversary.
“The victims are ever in our hearts and in our prayers. We offer our condolences, also, to the residents who lost their home that night,” the statement said.
The owners noted that the building’s sprinkler system had passed an inspection just five days before the fire. They continue to face roughly a dozen lawsuits filed by survivors and the families of those killed.
Today, the Gabriel House building remains empty. Outside, the fence has become a memorial adorned with flowers, flags, and messages honoring the 10 victims, the survivors whose lives were forever changed, and the first responders who risked everything to save others.
