Do prisons have fire escapes for prisoners?

Answer 1

Fire protection in a security facility is a challenge. Generally speaking, there are at least two exits from a series of cells or dorm areas. A "front door" where all inmates and staff members come and go will be used on a regular basis. This may or may not be a sallyport. Special "back doors" or "side doors" to the housing unit will be opened to allow inmates out of an affected area in emergency situations. There are no "fire escapes" in prisons or jail facilities. There are just marked and known escape routes that staff can use to direct the egress of inmates in situations when it is unsafe for them to remain in secure housing areas.

Exit routes are posted on cards in all buildings of a correctional facility, just like any school, hospital or manufacturing facility you might enter. (They're there if you look for them.) Additionally, staff and fire fighters working at any facility are drilled in the ways to respond to fire in a housing unit. They know what it takes suppress fires, move inmates and protect lives and property. It's part of their jobs, and they generally take responsibility for knowing and following procedure.