I’ve long been on record as enjoying seeing old fire escapes though I recognize not everyone admires them and some are nicer than others. But I’m just wondering – at what point did they stop being mandatory? I’m guessing it’s because the fire suppression tools (sprinklers etc.) have become so advanced that fire escapes are no longer necessary?
Also just wondering if anyone knows what were the regulations for which they had to be built? In the photo above – it’s only a three story row house. At one time did fire escapes have to be built on all structures three stories (and taller)?