FIRETRAPS IN LONDON.
The London Lancet is sure that, if a practical inquiry were set on foot as to the extent of the provision generally made in the buildings of London for protection against fire an appalling conclusion would be reached. Several lives have been lost recently in London fires because there was no way of escape. London is undoubtedly swarming on all sides with deathtraps only ready to claim their victims when a fire has broken out. Every one is aware of the difficulties which have to be faced when the question of the efficient protection of life shut up in buildings in a congested area is approached.
In probably the majority of buildings in London it is impossible even to escape to the roof and thence to gain a safe refuge on the adjoining premises. We know at least of one instance in which the boundaries of the property are marked on the roof by ugly spiked fences. While it is true that even this way of escape is not easy, it is certain that in a greater number of instances no such thing as a fire ladder is available.
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