Whatever Happened to Fire Escapes

The article discusses the disappearance of fire escapes in modern buildings, citing their historical significance and the reasons for their decline. According to the article, fire escapes were once a common feature in many urban buildings, particularly in New York City, where they were mandatory until 1966. The author notes that fire escapes were often used as a means of egress in the event of a fire, and were also used as a maintenance access point. However, with the passage of the 1966 Building Code, which eliminated the requirement for fire escapes in new construction, their use began to decline. The article attributes the decline of fire escapes to the increased use of elevators and stairwells, as well as the development of sprinkler systems and other fire safety measures. The author also notes that the construction of high-rise buildings, which often do not have fire escapes, has further contributed to their decline. The article concludes by lamenting the loss of this once-essential feature of urban architecture.