Fire Escapes Are A Thing Of The Past

The once-ubiquitous exterior fire escapes that have adorned many urban buildings since the early 20th century -- an "elevated porch" valued for social as well as safety benefits -- is becoming an endangered species.

In American culture, the fire escape was even an essential supporting character in classic movies like "Rear Window" and "West Side Story." Yet, as newer and rehabbed buildings have more effective, interior fireproof escape corridors, the old landing-and-ladder system is on its way out.