What Taunton’s doing to keep residents safe in wake of devastating Fall River fire
In the aftermath of the July 13 fire which claimed the lives of nine people at the Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River, the city of Taunton is “proactively” reaching out to all the city’s nursing homes and assisted living facilities, according to a joint written statement from Mayor Shaunna O’Connell and Fire Chief Steven Lavigne Wednesday.
“Our most vulnerable residents deserve the highest level of protection, and we are committed to working closely with these facilities to ensure they meet safety standards and have prepared emergency plans, and to provide guidance and offer support where needed,” O’ Connell said in the written statement.
The Taunton Fire Department and Taunton Emergency Management Agency will review emergency preparedness protocols and offer guidance where needed for all these facilities to ensure fire safety standards are being met.
The memorial outside Gabriel House in Fall River, 261 Oliver St., grows on Wednesday, July 16, as the city mourns the nine people who died in a fire at the assisted living facility on July 13. Residents place flowers and candles outside the building which was home to about 70 residents.
What will be done?
Outreach efforts will include direct communication with administrators and scheduled in-person visits. Fire and emergency management personnel will review existing fire prevention measures, evacuation procedures, and staffing protocols.
How often facilities are inspected
Lavigne said in the written statement Wednesday the Fire Department already conducts annual inspections at long-term facilities and quarterly inspections of all nursing homes. The Fire Department routinely assists facilities with fire drills and reviews each facility’s emergency preparedness plan.
“These facilities are required to have up-to-date fire alarm and sprinkler systems, unobstructed exits, and clearly documented emergency plans. Our role is to enforce these standards while also being a resource for training, prevention, and education,” Lavigne said.
Fire crews were on scene at a fire at Gabriel House assisted living center at 261 Oliver St, Fall River July 13, 2025..
Key fire safety practices for nursing homes, assisted living
In addition to the immediate outreach effort, the city is remind families and facility staff of “key fire safety practices compiled from organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association”:
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All nursing homes and assisted living facilities should have up-to-date smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and sprinkler systems. Fully functioning sprinkler systems are crucial for preventing the spread of fires and minimizing damage and injuries. All fire safety systems should undergo regular maintenance and inspection.
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All nursing homes and assisted living facilities should have actively practiced emergency evacuation plans in place, and all staff members should be familiar with their roles in implementing these plans. All facilities should conduct regular fire drills to ensure that both staff and residents are aware of the actions to take in the event of a fire.
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All exits and entrances from buildings that house vulnerable residents should be free from obstructions blocking the path.
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Interior doors, including fire doors, corridor doors, and doors to individual units, should be kept closed and in good working order. Whenever possible, buildings should be constructed with adequate fire barriers made from fire-resistant materials that can slow the spread of fire and smoke.
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All facilities should have an appropriate number of fire extinguishers readily available, and staff should be trained on their use.
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All facilities should also maintain adequate policies regarding smoking and hazardous materials, including those to safely regulate the use of medical gases, such as oxygen.
For additional information about fire safety in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, visit the National Fire Protection Association at: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/building-and-life-safety/nursing-homes.
This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Taunton reaching out to all long-term care facilities in wake of fire