fire escape

American  

noun

1. an apparatus or structure used to escape from a burning building, as a metal stairway down an outside wall.

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fire escape British  

noun

1. a means of evacuating people from a building in the event of fire, esp a metal staircase outside the building

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Etymology

Origin of fire escape

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

Officials also said rescue efforts were slowed by limited access to the building, which has a single staircase and no fire escape.

From BBC • May 27, 2024

When one supportive community member played chants from a speaker in his apartment window, an officer scaled the building’s fire escape to tell him to stop, video of the incident shows.

From Seattle Times • May 22, 2024

Specifically, they allege that it lacked a fire escape, smoke detectors and other fire safety features.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 5, 2024

The plaque fixed onto an Anaglypta-papered wall denotes the late Mick Steer's "spot", right next to the fire escape.

From BBC • Dec. 10, 2023

I watch my hands unlatch the window that opens farther than it’s supposed to; I watch my body bend and ease onto the fire escape.

From "Sparrow" by Sarah Moon