A fast-moving predawn fire tore through a multi-family home near Dwelly Street in Fall River early Saturday, abruptly forcing 15 people out into the dark morning but resulting in no reported injuries, according to officials.
Fire crews were called to a report of a structure fire and arrived to find flames shooting from a second-floor window near Dwelly Street. Firefighters moved quickly to knock back the blaze and keep it from getting any worse, WHDH reported. The station noted that roughly 15 residents were displaced, no injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
What firefighters found when they arrived
According to Fall River officials, first-arriving crews were met with heavy smoke and visible flames pouring from an upper-floor window. Firefighters focused on preventing the blaze from spreading to neighboring units in the multi-family building.
The city has not yet released a detailed timeline of the response or where the displaced residents are being housed, and officials have not described the extent of the structural damage.
Why Fall River officials are on edge about fires
Fire safety remains a sensitive subject in Fall River. The city is still recovering from last summer's deadly Gabriel House assisted-living fire, which led to a statewide investigation and emergency safety measures, according to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services.
State officials have also highlighted ongoing public education efforts, including campaigns on home-oxygen safety, after investigators identified oxygen and smoking as significant risks in residential fires.
Investigators continue to comb through the scene of Saturday's blaze, and city officials say more information will be released as it becomes available. This report will be updated if and when additional details are provided.
