An investigation into the source of a fatal fire at a Massachusetts assisted living facility last week determined that the cause was “undetermined,” though officials believe it was accidental.
According to State Fire Marshal John Gavin, the fire on July 13 started in a resident’s room on the left side of the second floor at the Gabriel House Assisted Living Residence in Fall River. Gavin stated that the resident was one of the ten people killed in the fire, but did not specify which room it was.
According to officials, there was no evidence that the fire was intentionally set. Gavin stated that there was no sign of an electrical fire, appliance fire, candles, or incense in the room.
Investigators are focusing on two possible causes, he said.
“One was an electrical or mechanical failure involving the oxygen concentrator,” Gavin explained, referring to a medical device in the room. “The other was improper use or disposal of smoking materials.”
The state declared the cause of the fire undetermined because it was unable to interview the room’s resident. Gavin described both potential causes as “clearly accidental.”
Gavin went on to say that it’s clear that the presence of medical oxygen played a “significant role” in the blaze’s intensity, whatever the cause.
“Oxygen is a necessary component of any fire,” Mr. Gavin said. “It was also found in the area of origin and other locations at Gabriel House. In an oxygen-rich environment, the fire will start more easily, spread more quickly, and burn at higher temperatures.”
Officials say the fire broke out at 9:30 p.m. on July 13 and killed nine people. Brenda Cropper was also hospitalized in critical condition.
Cropper, 66, died on Friday from her injuries, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
Gabriel House spokesperson George K. Regan Jr. said in a statement that there are “no words to adequately convey the depths of our grief and shock.”
“We are eternally grateful to the Fall River Fire Department and Fall River Police Department for their heroic response to the fire, and we also thank the ambulance companies and medical personnel who provided exemplary and compassionate care to our victims,” he told reporters.
The state of the facility’s sprinkler system was also in question. The fire suppression system at Gabriel House was last tested on July 8 and found to be operational, according to Regan’s statement.
He also stated that he understands the importance of determining what happened and that Gabriel House is working with authorities to find the answers.
“Our community, our residents, and most of all, the families who have suffered these unimaginable losses, deserve nothing less,” Regan informed the crowd.
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey announced on Tuesday that she would set aside $5.7 million in state funding for police and fire services in ten eligible communities. Fall River, where the fire occurred, will also receive $1.2 million to hire additional emergency responders.
The state’s secretary of elder affairs will also be responsible for identifying any additional regulations that could help protect assisted living residents.
“I know all of us here are of the deep view that no family, no resident, no community, should ever have to suffer or live with fear that something like this could happen to them or to their loved one,” Healey told the crowd.
