Massachusetts assisted living facility fire ‘clearly accidental’; medical oxygen fueled blaze that killed 10

An investigation into the source of the fatal fire at a Massachusetts assisted living facility last week classified the cause as “undetermined,” though officials believe it was an accidental ignition.

The July 13 fire began in a resident’s room on the left side of the second floor at the Gabriel House Assisted Living Residence in Fall River, State Fire Marshal John Gavin told reporters Tuesday. Gavin noted that the resident was among the 10 people who were killed in the fire, but did not identify whose room it was.

There was no sign of an intentionally set fire, officials said. Gavin noted there was no sign of an electrical fire, appliance fire, or candles or incense inside the room.

Investigators are narrowing in on two potential causes of the fire, according to Gavin.

“One was an electrical or mechanical failure involving the oxygen concentrator,” Gavin said, referring to a medical device in the room. “The other was improper use or disposal of smoking materials.”

Without the ability to interview the room’s resident, the state has declared the cause of the fire as undetermined. But Gavin noted that the two potential causes are “clearly accidental.”

Gavin went on to say that it’s obvious that the presence of medical oxygen played a “significant role” in the blaze’s power, regardless of the cause of the fire.

“Oxygen is a necessary component of any fire,” Gavin said. “And it was present in the area of origin and other locations at Gabriel House. In an oxygen-rich environment, the fire will ignite more readily and spread more rapidly and burn at higher temperatures.”

Officials previously said the fire broke out on July 13 at 9:30 p.m., killing nine people. One other person, Brenda Cropper, was hospitalized in critical condition.

Cropper, 66, died on Friday as a result of her injuries, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.

George K. Regan Jr., a spokesperson for Gabriel House, said in a statement that there “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,” Regan Jr. said.

The condition of the facility’s sprinkler system was also a question in the aftermath of the fire. Gabriel House’s fire suppression system was last tested on July 8 and determined to be in working order, Regan Jr. said in the statement.

He added that he understands the importance in determining what happened the night of the fire and that Gabriel House was 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 Jr. said.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey announced Tuesday that she would set aside $5.7 million in state funding for police and fire services in 10 eligible communities. Fall River, where the fire occurred, would also receive $1.2 million for the hiring of additional emergency response personnel.

The state’s secretary of elder affairs will also be tasked with 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 said.