FIRE ESCAPES

are devices used to enable persons to escape from a burning building when all usual means of exit are cut off by flames or smoke. Self po e ion and coolne of the persons in danger have much to do with the efficiency of any such safety device. The best type of stationary fire escape is an enclosed or semi enclosed stairway on the outside of the building, with suitable landings at each floor. It is e ential, of course, that the whole structure be strictly fireproof. In some relatively small dwelling houses, ropes or rope ladders, which have been treated to make them semi fireproof, are kept in small boxes under the windows. In case of fire, one end of the rope or ladder is lowered from the window, the other end being permanently fastened to the floor or frame of the house, and the occupants can descend to safety. Hospital and institution buildings frequently employ an enclosed spiral chute, with openings at each floor. The inmates slide down the smooth surface of the spiral. Still another type consists of large portable canvas tubes, carried by some fire companies. These are fastened to the window sill and used as chutes through which persons can.make the