In Massachusetts, fire departments average less than 2.5 firefighters per engine and fewer than two per ladder truck. A survey revealed that over 90 percent of departments do not meet the NFPA's staffing standards, following a deadly fire at an assisted living facility that killed 10. Only Boston, Brookline, and New Bedford consistently reach the four-member standard. Staffing issues are attributed to budget cuts. The inadequate staffing has serious implications for public safety and response during emergencies, as highlighted by the Fall River incident.
“Firefighters do a great job with whatever staffing they have, but we saw in Fall River what can happen when you're not adequately staffed to standards.”
“These standards exist for a reason. It's proven research. It's proven data as to why you need four firefighters on a piece of fire apparatus.”
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