When the deadly fire broke out Sunday night at Gabriel House in Fall River, Massachusetts, the assisted living facility had 70 residents and just two staff members working, according to the mayor and an employee.

The real issue is that assisted livings operate in an environment like the Wild West,” said Richard Mollot, executive director of the Long Term Care Community Coalition.

FALL RIVER — The nine residents killed in a fire here at Gabriel House, an assisted living residence, are being remembered as fonts of knowledge and symbols of longevity.

Questions about Gabriel House living conditions and emergency preparedness continue to swirl following Sunday’s deadly fire.

"I need bodies and ladders," a Fall River firefighter also requested during the frantic search and rescue operation.

First responders rescued dozens of people from inside an assisted living facility where nine people were killed.

The mayor says the city is working on returning personal belongings, medication and keeping health at the forefront.