STOW— Governor Maura Healey today announced the approval of new statewide fire safety requirements to help prevent future tragedies and strengthen protections for Massachusetts residents following the deadly Gabriel House fire in Fall River last year. The new standards will require annual checks for recalled fire sprinkler heads, prompt replacement of recalled equipment and additional safety measures when needed to protect residents.
The Massachusetts Board of Fire Prevention Regulations voted today to include the new requirements in the next edition of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code, expected early next year. The changes were proposed by Fall River Fire Captain Joshua Hetzler following the Gabriel House tragedy, which claimed 10 lives and required the evacuation of more than 50 other residents. The updated regulations build on the Governor Healey’s ongoing efforts to strengthen fire safety, emergency preparedness and accountability across Massachusetts.
“The Gabriel House fire was a heartbreaking tragedy that devastated families and the Fall River community. We owe it to those families to do everything we can to prevent something like this from happening again,” said Governor Maura Healey. “That’s why we’ve taken action to strengthen fire safety and emergency preparedness at assisted living residences, and these new requirements will help protect even more people across Massachusetts. I’m grateful to the Fall River firefighters who brought these recommendations forward and to the Board for taking action. We will continue working to strengthen safety, prevent future tragedies and protect our residents.”
Under the updated Fire Code, sprinkler systems will be required to undergo annual checks to identify any recalled sprinkler heads. Property owners must notify their local fire department when recalled equipment is identified and ensure it is promptly replaced. Local fire departments will also be able to require additional fire protection measures until the recalled equipment has been replaced.
“Strong fire prevention standards are essential to protecting lives and keeping our communities safe,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina K. Kwon. “These updates reflect the importance of working with our local fire service partners, listening to those on the front lines, and continually improving our approach to fire safety. We are grateful to the Fall River Fire Department for bringing forward this recommendation and to the Board for its work to strengthen protections across the Commonwealth.”
“The Gabriel House residents and their families have not left our thoughts in the 15 months since that tragic night in 2025,” said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, who sits on the BFPR and voted to include the sprinkler provisions. “Nothing can fill the void left by their loved ones, but I hope this makes clear to them that we are committed to saving other families from enduring the same heartbreak.”
“I am pleased to see these regulations implemented that will address gaps that were made evident in the horrific Gabriel House fire in Fall River,” said Representative Carole Fiola. “We must continue to learn from and rectify issues identified from this tragedy. I thank our brave firefighters, in particular Captain Hetzler for continuing their advocacy and the Healey-Driscoll administration for following through.”
“I am proud of Governor Healey for making these positive changes with regard to public safety, especially in light of the Gabriel House Fire,” said Representative Alan Silvia. “These updates are so desperately needed. This is great timing as we are in the process of honoring the brave firefighters who participated in that fire.”
“The new safety requirements approved today will help to avoid tragedies like the Gabriel House in the future,’’ said Representative Steve Ouellette. “These regulations honor those lost in the fire, and our first responders present that night by addressing not only the safety concerns, but the local fire departments and inspection agency’s ability to inspect and enforce the regulations. Thank you for thinking of all parties involved in making our communities safer.”
In addition to the new sprinkler safety requirements, the Board approved several other updates to the statewide Fire Code, including:
- Stronger Fire Prevention: Prohibiting welding, grinding and other hot work activities when winds exceed 15 miles per hour and requiring workers to renew their hot work safety training every three years.
- Simplified Permitting and Certification: Consolidating permitting and certification requirements to make them easier for businesses, property owners and fire safety professionals to understand and follow.
- Updated Safety Standards: Bringing Massachusetts’ Fire Code into closer alignment with national standards while maintaining state-specific fire safety protections.
The Board voted to dedicate the upcoming edition of the Fire Code to Deputy Chief Thomas J. Ferraro of the Billerica Fire Department and the Department of Fire Services, who fought a brave battle with occupational cancer before passing away in 2025. The Board noted his dedication to fire prevention, fire safety, and the protection of life and property over nearly 40 years of service, as well as his readiness to share his knowledge and experience with others.
The Board of Fire Prevention Regulations was established to create a statewide fire code following the devastating 1942 fire at the Cocoanut Grove nightclub in Boston, which claimed 492 lives. Its members are appointed by the Governor and represent the fire service and fire prevention; experts in electrical, mechanical, chemical, and blasting systems; fire and life safety inspection officials; and the public.
