Archival Photo
A2011-001.1591 : Harris Automatic Mechanical Fire Escape
Saturday, December 31, 1910
A2011-001
AP/87133
Date is circa. This photo shows the Automatic Mechanical fire escape extended from the top of a building. The Harris Automatic Mechanical Fire Escape is constructed of three specially flexible steel wire cables, with copper plated steel rungs. The fire escape is compactly rolled and concealed within a case with ornamental front corresponding with the buildings style of architecture, and is built in underneath the cornice or in the gable. Connected to the case is a cord running perpendicularly to the basement, with fusible links exposed in each room. The links fuse or melt and separate at 160 degrees, which automatically opens the door of the case containing the fire escape, or the fire escape may be released by pulling the starting cord. The door of the case opens on its hinges to a slanting or inclined position, permitting fire escape freely unwind at an angle sufficient to avoid any projections, awnings, etc, on buildings, and momentarily checking descent of the escape when within seven feet of the ground (rendering impossible any accident to passers by not previously warned of the fire). Then the door drops flatly against the building, the fire escape assuming an upright position and reaching the ground, where it is secured and made taut by a rachet device attached to the side of the building or secured in the pavement, affording an absolutely safe means of egress or ingress. If, as usually is the case, Firemen, Policemen or citizens are present, the steel cable fire escape may be held in any position desired, and should a fire break out beneath the persons descending, the fire escape may be pulled to one side and safe rescue can continue. Harris also produced an interior built in fire escape that resembles the exterior model described above. This description was taken from the Municipal Journal and Public Works volume 7 from September 1899
