My roommate found this from the City of Somerville, Fire Dept, Fire Prevention Bureau:
"A building with six or more units is required to have a low voltage system (fire alarm panel) which generally consists of a series of detection and annunciation devices throughout the common areas and electrically interconnected smoke detectors within the apartments (527 CMR 24). Either the Captain or Deputy Chief accompany Monty during these inspections."
Re: Did anyone else NOT notice the fire alarm?
"A building with six or more units is required to have a low voltage system (fire alarm panel) which generally consists of a series of detection and annunciation devices throughout the common areas and electrically interconnected smoke detectors within the apartments (527 CMR 24). Either the Captain or Deputy Chief accompany Monty during these inspections."
notice... WITHIN THE APTS
http://www.somervillelocal76.org/?zone=/unionactive/view_page.cfm&page=Fire20Prevention2FSafety20Tips
Under Firefighter Bob "Monty" Doherty