BOSTON —

Results of a survey of Massachusetts assisted living facilities reveal a widespread need for improvements following a devastating fire in Fall River , which resulted in 10 fatalities.

After the July fire, the state asked all 272 facilities to complete a self-assessment, and the findings show that 189 facilities identified at least one area needing improvement in fire or building safety.

Additionally, 36 residences indicated a need to enhance their fire drills, mutual aid plans, and emergency coordination protocols. This second group is required to submit a corrective action plan to the state within 45 days and will undergo a targeted review moving forward.

The state's capacity to enforce changes is limited, however. Assisted living facilities are classified as residential

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