Any of the series of emergency doors, ladders, or stairs used to evacuate a building if a fire breaks out. / The entire escape route viewed as a whole.

plural of fire escape

(nautical) A series of evenly spaced overhand knots in a rope, which make it more secure for climbing or descending. Often used for fire escapes and jib boom foot ropes on rigged sail ships. Also known as the Philadelphia knot.

plural of fire-escape knot