When were fire escapes prohibited on new buildings as a means of egress?

The prohibition of fire escapes on new buildings as a means of egress occurred in the late 1960s in response to an increasing recognition of fire safety concerns. Prior to this change, fire escapes were common and often relied upon as an essential means for occupants to exit buildings during a fire emergency. However, various tragic fire incidents highlighted the inadequacies and dangers associated with fire escapes, such as their potential for becoming blocked, their lack of adequate protection from fire and smoke, and the structural concerns that could arise during an emergency.

By the late 1960s, building codes began to evolve, advocating for more effective egress solutions, such as enclosed stairwells and other safer means of evacuation. This shift was part of a broader effort to enhance fire safety and ensure that building occupants had reliable and efficient ways to escape during an emergency, ultimately leading to safer building designs.