Abstract: A fire escape window system has a fixed outer, peripheral frame set permanently into a window opening of a wall. An inner frame carrying sash units, screens, storm glass, and the like is mounted in the outer frame on a hinge axis. The inner frame pivots from a position weather-sealed across the outer frame to an open position where the opening in the outer frame is unobstructed for emergency personal egress. A latch retains the inner frame in a closed, sealed position but is quickly releasable for swinging of the inner frame to the open position. A spring may be used to bias the inner frame to move automatically to the open position upon release of the latch. A safety alarm signals upon opening of the inner frame. The latch may be electrically operated and, if so, it may be connected for opening the inner frame selectively in conjunction with a smoke or other fire detector which is activated by an emergency condition.