Fire at assisted-living facility ‘was destined to kill 50-plus people,’ chief says, praising ‘hero’ responders

A fire at the Gabriel House assisted-living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, resulted in nine deaths and numerous injuries, with local fire chief Jeffrey Bacon stating the blaze could have claimed over 50 lives without the heroic actions of first responders. The cause of the fire, which began on the second floor, is under investigation but appears non-suspicious, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s office.