A wearable lightweight fire fighter's personal escape system and method includes a rope, having a distal and proximal end, organized in parallel segments disposed in an inner pouch. The inner pouch is entirely contained in an outer pouch that is appointed to be removably attached to a belt or harness, worn by a fire fighter. The proximal end of the rope exits through an opening in the inner pouch and outer pouch and is attached directly to a lightweight hook, or optionally enters a belay device. The hook has a sharp point for creating a purchase point on soft surfaces, a hook opening having sufficient diameter to surround radiators, steam pipe and the like, and capture rope that surrounds substantial objects. The hook has a central opening appointed for holding a firefighting tool to aid in creating a substantial object. The fire fighter escapes by creating a purchase point and repelling at a high speed or at a controlled speed by adjusting belay friction.