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

From BBC • May 26, 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

Without another thought, Natalie stuffed Churro into her hoodie, zipped it up tight, and ran down the fire escape stairs into the path of the storm.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz