FIRE-ESCAPES. Apparatus for allowing egress from buildings on the exterior, instead of by the stairways or other ordinary means, are classed as fire-escapes. Three principal types may be recognized: (1) Those which are permanently arranged on the fronts of build ings; (2) those which are adjusted in position from the outside; and (3) those which are placed in windows and serve simply as means for lowering individuals.
An example of the first class is shown in Fig. 1, which is a combination of a stand-pipe with a ladder and one or more balconies. The stand-pipe is a wrought-iron pipe having an outlet at each floor and at the roof, at which points means are provided for the attachment of hose. At the bottom of the pipe is a 2-way Siamese connection, so that two fire-engines may simultaneously pump into the pipe, whence streams may be taken at any floor or at the roof. The iron ladder is bolted to the pipe, and is made with rounds of angular cross-section, so as not to retain ice and to afford a sure footing. The balconies are also of iron, and, being securely anchored to the wall, form a vantage-ground for the firemen, from which they can cope with the flames on a level with thein and from the outside of the building. An example of the second class of fire-escape is given in Fig. 2.
Ilere is shown a series of three nected ladders, one sliding upon the others. The three may be brought into prolongation by means of a sitn pie chain and windlass. The ladder in position to raise is represented at 1. At 2 it is elevated and ready for extension. At 3 it is shown fully extended and ready for set-vice. The length of the three ladders jointly is 70 ft. The upper or top ladder is held in position not only by the ele vating chain, but by two supporting hooks, which automatically clasp the rounds, and also by self-acting brakes, so that in event of breakage of the chain the ladder can not slide down. An example of the third class of fire escape is given in Fig. 3. The low ering rope is fastened securely to the wall, usually near the window-easing. It passes around a fixed bar in the lowering device and then between the parts of a brake or clamp, which is provided with a hand-lever. A belt or sling, as shown in the figure, is connected to the lowering device, and supports the person, who. by manipulating the brake, allows himself to slide down the lowering rope as rapidly or slowly as may he desired.