By Tiffany Williams –
BOSTON — In the wake of a deadly fire that claimed nine lives at the Gabriel House Assisted Living Facility, Governor Maura Healey on Friday announced a series of immediate actions aimed at improving emergency preparedness and fire safety across all Assisted Living Residences (ALRs) in Massachusetts.
“What happened in Fall River is a horrible tragedy. Our hearts are with the families who lost loved ones and to the first responders who saved so many others,” said Governor Maura Healey. “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.”
Starting Monday, July 21, the Executive Office of Aging & Independence (AGE) will roll out a statewide Fire and Life Safety Initiative covering all 273 ALRs. The measures are intended to assess readiness, ensure proper evacuation procedures are in place, and reinforce transparency with residents and families.
As part of the new initiative, each ALR will be required to send a letter to residents and their families within five business days. The letter must include fire safety protocols, detailed evacuation procedures, and contact information for questions or concerns. Additionally, all ALRs must post evacuation instructions and exit routes inside every resident’s unit and in shared common areas.
AGE will also distribute a mandatory fire safety self-assessment survey to all facilities, which must be completed and returned within 30 days. The survey will reaffirm compliance with key safety systems such as sprinklers, fire-rated doors and walls, routine fire drills, and evacuation protocols. Facilities must also report the age and infrastructure of their buildings to help the state prioritize oversight.
Each facility is also required to submit its current, site-specific Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Plan to AGE within the same 30-day period.
“We are engaging every assisted living provider in this process. By requiring clear communication with residents and detailed reporting to the state, we are making sure resident safety is front and center – today and every day,” said Aging & Independence Secretary Robin Lipson. “Our entire team is committed to strengthening emergency readiness and improving standards across the assisted living sector in Massachusetts.”
Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah emphasized the importance of partnership between the state, local officials, and assisted living providers. “These immediate actions underscore our administration’s commitment to protecting our vulnerable populations. We are working closely with providers, local officials, and families to put safety first and provide the peace of mind that residents deserve,” Mahaniah said.
Under existing regulations (651 CMR 12), ALRs in Massachusetts must comply with building and fire codes, maintain emergency preparedness plans, and coordinate with municipal emergency services. AGE is currently finalizing regulatory amendments to strengthen these rules, a process that began before the Gabriel House fire but will now be re-evaluated in light of the tragedy.
Detailed guidance outlining the new requirements and compliance timelines will be sent to all ALRs on Friday, July 18.
The cause of the Gabriel House fire remains under investigation by the Fall River Fire Department, Fall River Police, State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.