Why do some fire departments not adopt personal escape devices?

The high cost for the departments is a significant reason why some fire departments do not adopt personal escape devices. Implementing such safety equipment can require a considerable upfront financial investment for purchasing the devices, along with costs related to training personnel on their proper use and maintenance. Departments with limited budgets may prioritize other immediate needs or equipment over personal escape devices, particularly if they believe that their current safety protocols can adequately ensure firefighter safety without additional expenditures.

While the other options may also influence decisions about adopting personal escape devices to some degree, cost remains a primary concern for many departments. For instance, lack of training could be addressed with educational programs, and storage challenges might be overcome with improved logistics. However, if financial resources are constrained, departments may simply opt to delay or forego the acquisition of personal escape devices altogether.