Fire Engulfs Abandoned Silvia School in Fall River

A significant fire erupted at the former Frank M. Silvia School on Hartwell Street in Fall River on March 1, 2025. The fire department responded with a three-alarm call due to heavy fire conditions in the building's ceiling, necessitating the use of multiple ladder trucks and hoses. Crews shifted to a defensive position 30-40 minutes into the operation due to concerns about the building's structural integrity. The building, which has been vacant since 2003 and was recently reclaimed by Fall River, is part of the Massachusetts Historical Commission database. Investigators have been unable to examine the site immediately due to hazardous materials, and will return later to determine the cause of the fire. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, and the building's dilapidated condition may affect decisions on its future usability.