The mayor of Fall River, Massachusetts said only two people were working at the Gabriel House when a fire broke out Sunday night, killing nine residents at the assisted living facility. An employee told CBS News both workers were new to the job.

City Councilor Linda Pereira during the Fall River City Council Tuesday July 15, 2025.

Assisted living residences in Massachusetts are required to have sufficient staffing to meet resident needs and handle emergencies, but the cause of the fire is still under investigation.