[WATCH] How New York Got Its Fire Escapes

This video explores the divergent paths New York City and Chicago took in developing their fire safety regulations, leading to unique architectural expressions in each city. New York, characterized by its dense, inward growth and crowded tenements, faced the pressing issue of residents being trapped during fires. This led to the adoption of external fire escapes, especially after devastating events like the 1860 Elm Street fire and the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911. In contrast, Chicago's outward expansion and prevalent use of wood construction made fire spread its primary concern, culminating in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Following pressure from insurance companies, Chicago shifted its focus to fire-resistant building materials and internal safety features. Today, while both cities' fire codes have evolved to be more aligned, New York's distinctive fire escapes remain an integral and often preserved element of its older buildings, whereas Chicago's fire safety is more subtly integrated into its architectural fabric.