Overview
- Fire Systems Inc. filed a 76-page document stating an inspector warned in September 2024 that some sprinkler heads were part of a recall dating to about 2001 and advised replacement, saying the facility never replied.
- Gabriel House owner Dennis Etzkorn filed a 28-page counterclaim alleging Fire Systems Inc. failed for years to properly install and test the system and repeatedly reported no deficiencies, including five days before the fire.
- Etzkorn’s filing says the only recall-related message from the company came in September 2024 referencing a 2021 notice and asserts there had been no earlier recall communications.
- Fire Systems Inc. says it inspected under its agreement and applicable standards, did not install or maintain the system, and does not identify or evaluate manufacturer recalls.
- WCVB previously reported the sprinkler in the room where the fire began failed that night, and the city later found recalled sprinkler heads in four other Fall River buildings.