Fall River fire Assisted living facilitys track record, fire departments staffing under scrutiny

A devastating fire at Gabriel House in Fall River resulted in nine fatalities and numerous injuries, prompting investigations into the facility's safety protocols. Investigators are currently working to determine the cause of the five-alarm fire, with progress reported by state fire officials. Owner Dennis Etzkorn expressed sorrow over the tragedy and committed to cooperating with the ongoing investigation. Allegations from current and former employees suggest the facility was understaffed and poorly maintained, with claims of inadequate fire preparedness, including the absence of fire drills. Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon highlighted the necessity of an evacuation plan and proper drill execution.

A recent state compliance review had already pointed out various deficiencies at Gabriel House, including late incident reports and missing medication documentation. Gabriel House's owner has a troubled past, facing criminal charges in a previous kickback scheme, though those charges were dropped. The scrutiny over the facility's safety and emergency preparedness raises significant concerns about the standards maintained in assisted living environments.