Local News

Mass. launches effort to improve safety at assisted living facilities after deadly Fall River fire

The state is launching a safety initiative to ensure Massachusetts’ more than 250 assisted living facilities are up to code.

The shuttered assisted living facility, Gabriel House, where ten residents died in a fire. Suzanne Kreiter/The Boston Globe

By Molly Farrar

July 21, 2025

2 minutes to read

After the deadly fire at an assisted living facility in Fall River, the state is launching a new safety initiative beginning Monday to ensure Massachusetts’ more than 250 assisted living facilities follow additional guidelines.

Ten people died in a fire at Gabriel House last Sunday night, where first responders described flames erupting from the front door and trapped residents hanging out of the windows, screaming for help.

“This is a moment to make sure that every Assisted Living Residence is prepared to respond to emergencies and to protect the safety of their residents,” Governor Maura Healey said in a statement.

Current and former employees of Gabriel House interviewed by The Boston Globe alleged the assisted living facility not only was understaffed and poorly maintained, but that it also failed to perform fire drills or evacuation procedures. Other residents and former staff alleged poor living conditions, including pest control issues and an unreliable elevator.

There are 273 assisted living residences, or ALRs, in the state, according to Healey. Beginning Monday, the Executive Office of Aging & Independence, or AGE, will ensure all facilities are in compliance with a statewide Fire and Life Safety Initiative.

‘Proactive measures’

AGE is already responsible for ensuring that all ALRs are in compliance with state regulations, according to Healey’s announcement, but the initiative will implement more proactive measures. The facilities were notified of the requested changes on Friday.

While ALRs are already subject to requirements including building and fire code, preparedness plans, and staff training, AGE is finalizing proposed amendments “to strengthen regulatory requirements for ALRs,” the state said.

“These proposed updates predate the Gabriel House fire but will be reevaluated in that context to ensure they meet current safety expectations,” the state said.

Within five business days, all ALRs must share with residents and families “fire safety protocols, evacuation procedures and key points of contact for questions or concerns,” the release said. “ALRs are instructed to ensure evacuation instructions and exit routes are posted inside each resident’s unit and in common areas.”

Within the next month, ALRs are also required to complete and submit a fire safety assessment survey, including information about sprinklers, fire drills, and evacuation protocols. The survey will address the age and key systems within their buildings “to help prioritize oversight.”

The initiative also includes a requirement to submit a current, site-specific Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Plan to the state within the next month.

“We are engaging every assisted living provider in this process,” AGE Secretary Robin Lipson said. “By requiring clear communication with residents and detailed reporting to the state, we are making sure resident safety is front and center.”