How is a fire escape defined?

A fire escape is defined as an exterior stairway constructed to the same standards as an interior exit stairway. This definition is crucial because fire escapes are intended as safe routes for building occupants to evacuate during a fire or emergency situation, just like interior exit stairways. They are built to ensure that they can withstand the same pressures and challenges that would be encountered in an interior stairway, including the potential for fire, smoke, and physical stress from usage during an evacuation.

The option clarifies that the construction standards for a fire escape align with those for interior exits, which promotes safety and reliability in emergencies. This ensures that the fire escape provides a dependable means of egress regardless of its outdoor location. The other options do not accurately capture the definition and implications of a fire escape as outlined in building laws and fire safety regulations.