Fall River firefighters union announces tentative agreement with city on staff increases

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) — The Fall River Firefighters’ Local union announced a tentative agreement to increase staffing.

This follows heated discourse, after the deadly Gabriel House fire back in July.

Ten residents died and dozens of others were hurt.

The union said they were severely understaffed and their requests from the mayor had been denied.

The mayor denied that accusation.

But this weekend, IAFF Local 1314 said their new agreement will increase staffing and save lives.

It ensures fire stations will be staffed in compliance with industry standards reducing response time and gaps in coverage.