Missouri § 320.040 - Buildings to be equipped with fire escapes.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 320.040 — Buildings to be equipped with fire escapes., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 320.040. Buildings to be equipped with fire escapes.
All buildings of three and not exceeding four stories in height hereafter erected or altered, in this state, which are used, or intended to be used for any of the purposes mentioned in sections 320.010 to 320.060, shall be provided with exterior stationary stair or tubular fire escapes, or at the option of the owner may be provided with interior fireproof fire escapes, and all such buildings, exceeding four stories in height shall be provided with interior fireproof fire escapes. All interior fire escapes shall be installed in fireproof shafts constructed of brick or concrete, and shall extend from the ground to the top of the building, with an exterior entrance thereto at each story and shall have no openings of any kind leading to or from the interior of the building. The doors on the ground floor of every such shaft shall open directly into a street, alley, yard, or outer court or directly into an enclosed fireproof corridor or passageway, constructed of brick or concrete, and leading directly to and opening into a street, alley, yard or outer court. All buildings coming within the provisions of this section, and not exceeding four stories in height, shall be provided with such a number of exterior stationary stair or tubular fire escapes as are required by section 320.030; provided, that number are so located that no part of the floor area of any floor above the first story will be more than one hundred feet distant from a fire escape, or if such building be provided with interior fire escapes, there shall be one for every two hundred persons or fractional part thereof for whom working, sleeping or living accommodations are provided for above the second story. There shall be a sufficient number of fire escapes so located that no part of any floor space above the first story will be more than one hundred feet from a fire escape, whether they are interior or exterior fire escapes.
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(RSMo 1939 § 14953, A.L. 1961 p. 548)
Prior revisions: 1929 § 13760; 1919 § 10964; 1909 § 10669
---- end of effective 28 Aug 1961 ----
Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 320.040
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 320.040 cover?
Section 320.040 ("Buildings to be equipped with fire escapes.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, the codified statutory law of Missouri. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Missouri § 320.040?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 320.040" (Missouri). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Missouri law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Missouri official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Missouri attorney.
How does Missouri § 320.040 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Missouri can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.