Small obstacles became big problems during deadly Gabriel House fire rescue, new report says

When Fall River firefighters descended on the Gabriel House on a cool but humid summer night, they were met with a slew of unique challenges as fire conditions rapidly deteriorated across the assisted living facility.

According to a new report released Monday by the Fall River Fire Department , the building didn’t have any fire doors in its hallways, “allowing smoke and heat to spread freely throughout hallways and common areas.”

Being in the thick of summer, window air conditioners had been installed in every resident’s room, and in most cases, they were secured with plywood to seal gaps. Those circumstances blocked primary rescue routes.

“In many cases, the plywood was fastened with screws to prevent the AC from falling out,” the report said. “Many residents had to be removed thro