Fall River fires that have rocked the community: 6 historic fires

Yahoo

18-07-2025

(This story has been updated to add more information.)
The deadly blaze that swept through the Gabriel House assisted living center on July 13 is evocative of past fires that ravaged Fall River buildings.
Nine people were killed and 30 were injured in the nighttime fire at 261 Oliver St., according to the Fall River Fire Department. There were 70 residents at the apartment complex.
It's believed to be the second deadliest fire in Fall River's history.
"The fire at Gabriel House in Fall River is a tragedy," Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said in a written statement. "My heart goes out to those who are waking up to the most horrific news imaginable about their loved ones this morning. I'm grateful to the firefighters and first responders whose heroic efforts saved lives."
Several major fires became ingrained in the city's history, dating back to the 19th century. Here are six of the fires that have shaped the city.
Four Winds: Jan. 1, 2019
On New Year's Day in 2019, two people were killed when a car careened into a three-story building at the Four Winds apartment complex, sparking a fire.
A 72-year-old Fall River woman was driving her 75-year-old sister in a 2008 Pontiac when it crashed into the building's utility room, officials said.
The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while her sister died at the hospital the next day.
Seven firefighters were treated for minor injuries at a local hospital.
In total, 80 residents were displaced from the apartment building.
More: Four Winds fire was 'a nightmare scenario' for firefighters
Kerr Mill: Jan. 12, 1987
A giant blaze charged through the Kerr Mill Complex on Jan. 12, 1987, destroying several commercial buildings.
The complex was located on the South Watuppa, where Meditech is now.
The fire began in the Thread Mill on Eastern Avenue before it devastated the entire complex.
About 900 people lost their jobs due to the fire.
Notre Dame: May 11, 1982
A massive church fire broke out on May 11, 1982, after workers soldering copper gutters on the roof unknowingly ignited the Flint's Notre Dame de Lourdes Church.
The fire, sparked on a windy afternoon, went on to damage 27 homes across five blocks.
Firefighters battled the blaze well into the night, standing guard around Bedard, Choate, and Pleasant streets.
Around 300 people were left displaced, and there were only a few minor injuries.
More: Notre Dame Church was lost to fire on this day in history. The Flint changed forever.
Great Fire of 1928: Feb. 2, 1928
The Great Fire of 1928 destroyed a professional office building and a bus terminal on North Main Street in February of that year.
Workers dismantling the Pocasset Mill started a fire in a steel drum to try and keep warm, but did not fully extinguish it before they left for the day.
Later that afternoon, an employee at The Herald News across the street called the fire department to report the fire.
The Granite Block office building and a nearby bus terminal went up in flames within the hour.
Granite Mill Fire: Sept. 18, 1874
Around 23 workers – mainly women and children – were killed when a fire broke out at Granite Mill No. 1 in September 1874.
Many who died were working too high up in the mill for firefighters' ladders to reach. Several of them died after jumping from the mill's windows.
This fire sparked changes in regard to fire and boiler safety standards.
The Gabriel House fire is the deadliest fire since the one at Granite Mill, according to Stefani Koorey, author of the book "Historic Fires of Fall River."
Great Fire of 1843: July 2, 1843
On July 2, 1843, a fire that began near Main and Borden streets swept through 291 buildings.
Two boys playing with a small toy cannon ignited a pile of wood shavings, and the fire quickly spread throughout the neighborhood.
We'll Try: How the Great Fire of 1843 shaped the city's motto
The blaze destroyed a post office, churches, banks, and hotels.
Around 200 families were displaced from their homes.
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fall River fires: 6 historic fires that have shaped the city