Massachusetts Fire Departments Fail to Meet Staffing Standards Amid Tragic Fire Incident
A recent survey by the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts (PFFM) reveals that almost all fire departments in the state are falling short of national staffing standards set by the National Fire Protection Association. These standards suggest that fire engines and ladder trucks should have a minimum of four firefighters on duty at all times. Currently, the average in Massachusetts stands at less than 2.5 firefighters for engines and fewer than two for ladder trucks.
This alarming lack of staffing comes in the wake of a catastrophic fire at the Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River, which resulted in ten fatalities and over thirty injuries. Investigators suspect that malfunctioning equipment or smoking materials ignited the blaze. Witness accounts from First Responders described harrowing scenes of residents trapped and calling for help.
PFFM President Rich MacKinnon emphasized the urgency of proper staffing, noting that timely responses significantly impact rescue efforts. In response to the tragedy, Governor Maura Healey has pledged $1.2 million for improvements in Fall River’s public safety staffing and announced an additional $5.7 million for similar initiatives statewide.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
