When the deadly fire broke out Sunday night at Gabriel House in Fall River, Massachusetts, the assisted living facility had 70 residents and just two staff members working, according to the mayor and an employee.

River fire chief gave a harrowing recount of the night nine people were killed in a fire at the Gabriel House.

Jeffrey Bacon said the fire was "destined to kill" more than 50 people, but heroic acts limited the tragic loss of life.

The Massachusetts assisted-living facility where a fatal fire killed nine people was caring for dozens of aging residents reliant on wheelchairs and oxygen tanks, but it lacked the safety measures and most of the staffing requirements that are commonplace in nursing homes.

The eighth victim in the fatal fire that ripped through the Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River on Sunday has been identified. Joseph Wilansky, 77, was identified by Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn III on Wednesday.

The state Executive Office of Elder Affairs cited the facility for seven deficiencies, four of which were repeat problems.

A fire at Gabriel House assisted living in Fall River, Massachusetts, resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. City is responding and investigating.

The names of seven of the nine victims who died in a fire at an assisted living home in Fall River, Massachusetts,​ have been released by the Bristol County District Attorney.

River Mayor Paul Coogan addressing the media on July 16, 2025. (WLNE)FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) — The Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan and IAFF General President Edward Kelly said that staffing levels of fire companies in the city would be brought to the “minimal national standard” after the deadly fire at an assisted living facility on July 13.