Device and method for evacuating persons, for example from a multi-storey building on fire

Method of evacuating persons from an evacuating location (4) to a secure location (3), comprising the steps of:

• a) inflating a balloon (1) with a gas of a density less than air,
• b) letting the balloon (1) ascend by veering a cable (2) which connects the balloon (1) to the secure location (3),
• c) during ascent of the balloon, guiding the balloon (1) to the evacuating location (4) by means of guide means (5, 6) connected to the balloon,
• d) connecting the cable (2) to the evacuating location (4),
• e) placing a number of persons (8) on transport means (7;
• 11, 13) connected to the balloon (1), the number of persons (8) being such that the total weight of the balloon (1), transport means (7;
• 11, 13), guide means (5, 6) and persons (8) is larger than the lifting force resulting from the gas in the balloon (1),
• f) transporting the persons (8) from the evacuating location (4) to the secure location (3) by letting the balloon (1) descend along the cable (2).