SINGLE STAIRCASE LEGISLATION

Vice President Nardelli

The state legislature has begun an attempt to fast track a bill that would allow a single staircase in multiple unit dwelling up to six stories. This legislation has been reported out favorably by the committee and sent to the Senate and the House Ways and Means. Both the bills, from each side of the house have been sent out with an order to be studied. FCAM will have Executive board members in that study group. We look forward to airing our deep concerns about this legislation.

The FCAM Executive Board understands the lack of housing that currently plagues the Commonwealth of Massachusetts but does not feel as though removing a means of egress is the answer to that problem. As many of you are well aware the fire service has long used multiple stairwells in buildings during emergencies. Whether it be to evacuate residents or to fight the fire, it would be very difficult if not impossible to perform both these lifesaving  tasks from a single stairwell. The proponents of this legislation have made it clear that there is no evidence to show that multiple stairwells would make any difference in an emergency. To that statement, FCAM replies that there is plenty evidence that a single stairwell would be less safe.

We have seen a multitude of fires in many communities throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where double or multiple staircases have made a major difference between life and death, just recently the fire in the apartments  at UMASS Amherst. Recent fires in Holyoke, and Waltham have clearly shown that people in multiple dwellings need multiple means of egress to escape fast moving fire. It is very important to remember the tragedy last summer in Fall River, when Firefighters worked tirelessly to remove fire victims throughout multiple stairwells. Many more live could have been lost, if not for multiple stairwells and the well-trained Firefighters that used them to evacuate occupants. Our code is written in blood for a reason!

 We all understand the tree of occupant removal from upper levels, through the building, onto the platform of a Tower Ladder, down a straight stick aerial and last but not least over ground ladders placed by well-trained Fire fighters. Many departments throughout the Commonwealth do not have fully staffed or even partially staffed Ladder trucks. This invites another list of problems, not only is the ladder sometimes cross staffed, sometimes the ladder is not staffed until call back arrives. This would pose a myriad of problems if single stairwells were permitted. For the reasons laid out and many more not mentioned, FCAM opposes single stairwell legislation.

Introduction to the New Legal Defense Fund

FCAM Legal Defense Fund Partnership

Beginning in January 2026, FCAM will partner with Reardon, Joyce & Akerson, P.C., located in Worcester, to offer fire chiefs an enhanced Legal Defense Fund. This service is available to any fire chief who chooses to enroll and pay the necessary fee of $300 annually. The new program provides “unlimited” legal counsel to participating chiefs and is designed to go beyond the current FCAM Legal Defense Fund. Chiefs who do not wish to join the new program may continue to request legal support through the existing fund.

Benefits and Coverage

The newly established legal defense fund is intended to offer substantial protection to FCAM members facing various legal challenges encountered throughout their careers. The program covers all communications, research, and filings that may be required by Reardon, Joyce & Akerson, P.C. on behalf of the enrolled chief.

Additional Services and Discounted Rates

In addition to legal defense, FCAM members who participate in the fund will have access to discounted rates for contract advice and development. Specifically, the firm will offer contract-related services at a reduced fee of $200/hour, when requested by participating members, $400 otherwise.

Enrollment and Billing Information

Chiefs interested in joining the legal defense fund will be able to sign up beginning in January, a link will be provided through an FCAM email. The initial enrollment fee is $150 and applies through June 2026. After this period, FCAM will manage signups and billing for chiefs who wish to be in the program, and the fee ($300) will be incorporated into the FY27 annual dues invoice. Chiefs also retain the option to enroll independently at their own expense if they prefer not to process payment through their community.