In addition to the exits otherwise required every building of more than three (3) stories which is used for residence purposes of more than one family, or is used as a store, office or factory, and every building of more than one story which is used in whole or part, above the first story as a theater, school, auditorium, shall be equipped with at least two (2) metallic fire escape stairways leading from the roof to the ground; provided that an enclosed fireproof stairway of at least five feet (5') in width, which is equipped with fireproof doors and the structure and shaft of which are so constructed as to be independent of support from the rest of the building so that they can stand alone, may be substituted for such outside fireproof stairways. The ground exit of such stairways, whether enclosed or outside shall be in such position as to afford ready and immediate escape from the immediate vicinity of the building. It shall be unlawful to obstruct, or permit the obstruction of, any such fire escape or stairway, or the entrance thereto, or the exit therefrom. (1970 Code §361)