Structural Solutions
Fire Escapes: How to Ensure They’re Safe to Use When Needed
February 12, 2026
In 2010, members of the Delta Delta Delta sorority at Oregon State University gathered on their fire escape for a group photo. Suddenly, the structure lurched downward as bolts pulled free from a rotten wall. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the incident served as a wake-up call for the entire community.
Following that event, the Corvallis Fire Department began strictly enforcing a five-year cycle for load testing and inspection of every fire escape in the city. At G. Christianson Construction, we have since become the local experts in navigating these requirements. Whether you own a historic apartment building, a Greek housing facility or a commercial business, we ensure your emergency exits can hold the weight of those using an escape during a crisis situation.
Here is how we help building owners ensure their fire escapes are ready for an emergency.
Fire Escape Services
See Corvallis Fire Department inspection requirements.
Many fire escapes in Corvallis were built nearly a century ago using “rules of thumb” rather than modern engineering. We often find fire escapes attached with simple bolts through small pieces of wood — completely inadequate for today’s safety standards.
Our team includes certified welders who can install new structural steel supports, bolt on reinforcements and repair sagging platforms. We work closely with the fire department to ensure every repair is documented and approved.
The narrow platforms and steep ladders of 100-year-old fire escapes are no longer allowed under the Oregon State Building Code. For many owners, the smartest long-term investment is to remove the old escape entirely and replace it with a new structural steel stair tower. This creates a safer, wider escape route and eliminates the recurring costs of mandatory load testing. We handle the entire process, from engineering and steel fabrication to the concrete masonry work required for the base.
Rust is the enemy of any steel structure. To extend the life of your fire escape, we subcontract with industrial painting specialists who have decades of experience working on mills and large-scale steel projects. They sandblast and grind away loose rust and paint, then apply an industrial-grade, direct-to-metal alkyd enamel. This provides the durable protection necessary to withstand Oregon’s rainy winters.
Safety is Not Optional
A fire escape is a feature you hope to never use, but it must work perfectly. Do not wait for a rust spot to become a structural failure.
Ensure your building is safe.
Whether you need a mandatory five-year load test or a complete structural upgrade, we have the engineering expertise to do the job right. Contact G. Christianson Construction today to schedule your fire escape inspection.
Fire Escape Safety FAQs
How often do I need to test my fire escape?
In Corvallis, fire escapes must be inspected and load-tested every five years. This cycle ensures that hidden damage, such as rust or dry rot in the attachment points, is caught before it becomes a danger to the public.
What happens if my fire escape fails the test?
If a deficiency is found, we will provide a repair plan engineered to bring the structure back up to code. This might involve replacing rusted steel, adding new structural supports or reinforcing the connection to the building. Once repairs are made, we re-test to ensure compliance.
Is it better to repair or replace?
This depends on the age and condition of the structure. While repairs are often cheaper upfront, older fire escapes are difficult to use and require expensive testing every five years. Replacing the escape with a modern stair tower can be safer for occupants and more cost-effective in the long run by eliminating those recurring testing fees.
Can you test fire escapes for residential homes?
Yes. Fire escapes for private homes are just as prone to rust and rot. We can perform safety inspections and repairs for homeowners who want to ensure their family’s emergency exit is safe to use.
