The National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) and National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) have discussed the fire at an assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts on 13 July 2025.
The fire fatally injured ten residents and is still under investigation by the State Fire Marshal and the District Attorney’s office.
According to the NASFM and NFSA, recent news reports suggest that the fire sprinklers in use at Gabriel House had been recalled.
Neither NFSA or NASFM are aware of a multiple-facility fire in a structure with a properly installed and maintained sprinkler system.
Chief Butch Browning, NASFM Executive Director explained: “Although investigations continue, it is essential that we stay dedicated to fully understanding the details of this tragedy.
“Achieving this will involve a comprehensive fact-finding process that should proceed deliberately and without haste.
“We will be collaborating closely with our fire safety partners to examine every aspect of the fire response and protection systems, with the goal of preventing future incidents and safeguarding vulnerable communities.”
Gabriel House, which opened in 1999, is a non-profit facility with 100 single-bed units. Approximately 70 residents were living in the facility before the fire. According to records, the building was built in 1966 and had fire sprinklers installed in the 1990s.
NASFM and NFSA have shared while it is possible that the fire sprinklers in Gabriel House could be recalled fire sprinklers. it is known from police body cameras that some fire sprinklers were operating.
NFSA President Shane Ray shared: “Fire sprinklers save lives every day in this type of facility across the country, but these saves aren’t reported in the news.
“The fire protection community of this country wants to know everything that was contributed to this tragedy that has never occurred in our country in a sprinklered building.”
“The NFSA, in partnership with NASFM, stands ready to support the State Fire Marshal and his team with resources and expertise as additional information emerges through the course of the investigation.
“NFPA 25 is referenced and enforceable by both US fire codes. We urge authorities nationwide to ensure all fire protection system inspections are up to date in accordance with NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems and to apply NFPA 13E, Recommended Practice for Fire Department Operations in Properties Protected by Sprinkler and Standpipe Systems.”
One month since the Fall River, Massachusetts fire, the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) and National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) have discussed the impact of the fire in the assisted living facility.
