FALL RIVER, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Monday marks one year since the devastating fire at Gabriel House and now, the fire chief is remembering the tragedy and is revealing what could have saved lives.

With ten victims, it was the deadliest Massachusetts fire in over forty years.

Investigators believe that the Gabriel House assisted living residence fire could have started due to a failure involving an oxygen concentrator or the improper disposal of smoking materials.

While inspection reports found no problems with the sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, or exit doors, a report from the State Executive Office of Elder Affairs showed that the 100-unit facility had not been inspected since October 2023.

Fall River Fire Chief Jeffery Bacon shared his biggest takeaways from the devastating incident.

“The biggest takeaway that I can see right now is that there were recalled sprinklers in this building,” he said. “We didn’t know a lot about them at the time, but we’ve learned a lot about them and that had those sprinklers worked, the fire would have been much less significant.”

In a statement, the Gabriel House said “our residents were more than tenants--they were our neighbors, our friends, and part of our unique Gabriel House family. We still mourn their loss deeply, and forever will.”

The Gabriel House also said that they have been cooperative with all entities involved in the investigation to help determine the cause and origin of the fire and how it spread so quickly. They claim that a sprinkler inspection took place on July 8, 2025, just five days before the fire.

A ceremony will be held Monday night to honor the victims of the fire.

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