Fall River fire chief recounts heroic rescue of residents at Gabriel House

Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon detailed the extraordinary efforts of his firefighters during the Gabriel House fire that claimed nine lives. He described how firefighters carried victims down ladders, with one firefighter rescuing six individuals singlehandedly. A memorial has formed at the site as the community mourns the loss of the deceased, including 77-year-old Joseph Wilansky and an unidentified 70-year-old woman. Mayor Paul Coogan expressed his frustration with the facility's owner, Dennis Etzkorn, for his lack of communication and responsibility towards residents. Coogan announced plans to increase firefighter staffing to ensure safety compliance, with six of the city's ten trucks meeting national standards.

All displaced residents have been provided housing, while two remain hospitalized in critical condition. The Bristol County District Attorney's Office has identified the deceased, and the investigation into the fire's cause is ongoing. The community's resilience shines through as first responders and citizens unite to support those affected.