Fall River, MA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Multi-apartment buildings
- detector in every apartment
- 8+ units, 1.5+ mi from station
- full alarm system required
- 25+ units
- auto-transmit alarm to HQ
- Cite
- Fall River Code § 22-79
Summary
Fall River requires an approved smoke detector in every apartment of any residential building with more than one unit, with a full detection and alarm system mandatory for eight-or-more-unit buildings sited more than 1.5 miles from the nearest fire station.
Any building within the City used as a residential occupancy and which contains more than one apartment shall be equipped with an approved smoke detector in each apartment. Any building within the City used as a residential occupancy which is located at a distance exceeding 1 1/2 miles from the nearest municipal Fire Department station, and which contains eight or more apartments, shall be equipped with an approved smoke detection and alarm system.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4739915; v14 updated 2025-12-23; through 12-23-2025).
Full Breakdown
§ 22-79(A) requires an approved smoke detector in each apartment of any residential building containing more than one apartment. § 22-79(B) adds a full smoke detection and alarm system where a residential building has eight or more apartments and sits more than 1 1/2 miles from the nearest municipal Fire Department station. Buildings with eight to 24 apartments must sound an audible floor-level alarm per NFPA 72A; buildings with 25 or more apartments must also auto-transmit an alarm to fire alarm headquarters per NFPA 72B. All devices must carry UL or Factory Mutual approval.
Violations & Fines
Failing to install required smoke detectors or an alarm system in covered residential buildings is enforceable by the Fire Department under Chapter 22's general penalty and inspection provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fall River require smoke detectors in every apartment?
When does an apartment building need a full alarm system, not just detectors?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fall River
Compare Fall River to another location·View the Massachusetts fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Smoke Detectors in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bristol County handle smoke detectors.