††††A fire escape is an emergency staircase or apparatus to enable people to escape from a building that is on fire.
The first fire escape was made in London, England and was simply a wicker basket attached to a pulley and chain.
In more recent times, buildings have been provided with special fire doors which can only be opened from inside, or by a series of steps or ladders attached to the outside of the building. Less common are slings on a strong cord contained in a spring-loaded drum. The person escaping the fire can lower himself down to the ground gently in the sling.
