The liability risk of fire poles is typically a workers compensation issue; ... "We modified our spiral (playground) slide so it would be bigger, and accommodate firemen of the size that they are.

Poles like these at a Boston fire station are no longer used universally, but they remain emblematic of the profession. ... similar to the enclosed slides you see at playgrounds today.

Many fire departments across the USA have or are opting to install a slide, either of the plastic looping variety or the traditional steel playground-style rather than brass poles. Source Gannett ...

In Dublin, Ohio, firefighters skipped the pole when they built Fire Station 95 because nagging injuries had plagued others late in their careers, according to former chief Gene Bostick.