Abstract: A fire escape system includes a ladder permanently attached with cleats to an interior surface of a box that functions both for storage of the ladder and for anchorage of the ladder when in use. The box has a rear side to be placed against a building wall and optionally secured thereto at a position below a window sill and a top ledge mounted on the rear wall. Cleats are mounted to the rear wall are disposed rearwardly of a front edge of the ledge to provide for force applied during use of the ladder to aid in forcing the box against a building wall to inhibit movement of the box during use of the ladder. The ladders used in the system may be constructed of chains with metal rungs.