Tag: fatal fire

Results of the state’s survey of all 272 assisted living residences in Massachusetts in the wake of a deadly fire in Fall River are in and they will soon be distributed to local fire departments as the state imposes a new annual safety requirement for the facilities.

Ten residents of the Gabriel House assisted living center in Fall River died in a fire there in July, raising questions about safety and preparedness at the centers that operate somewhere between entirely independent living and places like nursing homes. Among the spate of safety-focused changes that Gov. Maura Healey announced in the immediate wake of the fire was the survey that led to Thursday’s new requirements.

The results will be distributed to all fire departments, since they have jurisdiction over enforcement of the state’s fire code, and the Executive Office of Aging & Independence will begin requiring assisted living residences to secure an annual sign-off from their municipal fire department, Healey’s office said.

“The Gabriel House fire was a terrible tragedy. It’s on all of us to do everything we can to enhance the safety of all residents and staff at Assisted Living Residences across the state. That’s why I took immediate action after the fire, including requiring this survey which will help ALRs and local fire departments identify and address areas of improvement,” Healey said. “We appreciate all of the ALRs for their responsiveness and will continue to work with them and local fire officials to improve emergency preparedness and give residents, families and staff the peace of mind they deserve.”

The governor’s office said Thursday the “vast majority of residences reported strong preparedness measures” but responses from 36 residences (13%) revealed “opportunities to further strengthen their approach to fire drills, mutual aid plans, or emergency coordination protocols.” Aging & Independence will ask those facilities to submit a corrective action plan within 45 days and the state will conduct a “targeted review” of their training logs, drill performance, and emergency preparedness protocols.

Most assisted living residences (189 facilities or 69%) self-identified at least one area where they were not aligned with best practices for fire or building safety. The administration said things like installing a kitchen hood extinguisher, fire pumps or fire-rated walls are recommended but not required in the facilities since they are not licensed health care centers. The governor’s office said many assisted living residences operate out of older buildings and that the findings “do not indicate that buildings are currently unsafe or out of compliance with building codes but rather point to areas where municipalities and operators can work together to enhance resident protection.”