Sources Fall River assisted living home told of missing sprinkler inspection five days before fire

Fire safety inspectors warned the Gabriel House assisted living residence in Fall River that its sprinkler system had not received a required in-depth inspection for five years, just five days before a catastrophic fire killed ten elderly residents. This incident represents the deadliest fire in Massachusetts in over 40 years, raising concerns about fire safety protocols. Robert Solomon, a former fire protection specialist, highlighted the importance of the five-year inspection, which evaluates the internal condition of sprinkler piping to prevent water flow issues. In contrast, the annual inspection only provides a visual assessment of the system's components. Investigators revealed that the sprinklers at Gabriel House had been recalled decades ago, and the unit in the fire's origin room was not operational.

The state fire marshal's office has withheld comments due to the ongoing investigation, while the Bristol District Attorney's office has not responded to inquiries. Gabriel House's owner stated that the sprinkler system was reported to be in working order following the last inspection. The incident underscores the critical need for robust fire safety measures in assisted living facilities.