By attorney Neil T. O'Donnell
There has been a growing trend among states to ease fire safety rules.
Everyone pictures residential buildings possessing two fire escape stairways on either side of the structure. That concept was adopted roughly in the 20th century because those units were not well-equipped to handle fires. Today, standardized building codes typically default to two staircases as a minimum means of egress for occupational buildings.
Single-stairwell buildings are allowed under certain circumstances. However, some legislatures are looking to open more buildings to single-stairwells in the interest of lessening development costs.
Washington, for example, has recently permitted single-staircases for buildings up to six feet. Colorado allows the same for buildings up to five stories. Proponents of this shift often point to features of modern buildings, such as better sprinklers and fire-proof materials, which make developments safer. The chief concern, of course, is construction of safe and affordable housing. Proponents argue easing the stairway regulations would be a step toward freeing up space.
Fire organizations such as the IAFF and Metro Fire Chiefs are less inclined to this idea. These organizations have been making an effort to prevent single-stairwells from becoming the norm. In case of fire, firefighters would have to use the same stairwell that families use to go down. While fire alarms and sprinklers have improved, they are still imperfect systems. Having multiple methods of egress is important because stairways may become compromised by exceptional levels of smoke.
Developing housing is important, but we should not sacrifice safety in the process.
Sources
1. See Section 1006.3.3 of the 2021 International Building Code.
2. Keith Schneider, Easing Fire Safety Rules to Cut Costs, The New York Times (March 12, 2026).
If you’ve been injured due to unsafe property conditions, contact O’Donnell Law Offices—we can help.
Premises liability cases arise when unsafe property conditions lead to serious injuries—whether from slip and falls, inadequate maintenance, poor lighting, or negligent security. Property owners have a responsibility to keep their spaces safe, and when they fail to do so, the consequences can be life-altering.
At O’Donnell Law Offices, our team has extensive experience handling premises liability claims and advocating for individuals and families who have been injured due to unsafe conditions. Serving clients in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, and throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and helping our clients pursue the compensation they deserve.
About the Author
Neil T. O'Donnell is an experienced attorney at O’Donnell Law Offices, serving clients throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. Neil is known for his thoughtful legal insight and commitment to helping individuals and families navigate complex legal matters. Through his writing, he provides commentary on important issues that impact safety, rights, and the broader community.