Fall River, Gabriel House
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Investigations into what starts a fire require a methodical look at the scene and can take a long time to complete.
FALL RIVER — The nine residents killed in a fire here at Gabriel House, an assisted living residence, are being remembered as fonts of knowledge and symbols of longevity.
The Massachusetts assisted-living facility where a fatal fire killed nine people was caring for dozens of aging residents reliant on wheelchairs and oxygen tanks, but it lacked the safety measures and most of the staffing requirements that are commonplace in nursing homes.
When the deadly fire broke out Sunday night at Gabriel House in Fall River, Massachusetts, the assisted living facility had 70 residents and just two staff members working, according to the mayor and an employee.
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The mayor says the city is working on returning personal belongings, medication and keeping health at the forefront.
A state official documented 26 instances where staff members did not report specific emergency situations to the state within the 24-hour window required by law.
A Massachusetts assisted-living center where nine residents died in a fire was cited for failing to immediately report more than two dozen health and safety incidents.