Fire Escapes Fall River MA

As warm weather returns to Fall River, Minimum Housing inspectors will be on the lookout for blocked fire escapes. Usually, these are blocked by air conditioners installed in a window that provides access to the fire escape, but sometimes by objects such as plant pots, gas grills, bicycles and vines (typically growing up the ladder).

Fire escapes are purpose-built, single-use items, built to provide emergency egress from an apartment during a fire or other event where the main egress is blocked. We are urging property owners to ensure that all fire escapes are clear of any object that may impede a quick and safe exit.

The Office of Minimum Housing continually performs pro-active inspections of fire escapes, year round.  It is a violation of the state minimum housing code to block these exits.