Which statement best describes the correct spacing when tackling an uncharged ladder line?

Which statement best describes the correct spacing when tackling an uncharged ladder line?

• A. One fire fighter per ladder
• B. One fire fighter per fly section
• C. 3 m (10 ft) apart
• D. 5 m (16 ft) apart

Answer: (B)

Handling an uncharged ladder line requires keeping control along every moving part of the ladder as it’s raised. Extension ladders have fly sections that move to lengthen the ladder; guiding the line from a position at each of those sections keeps tension even and prevents the hose from snagging on rungs or catching on the ladder as it extends. That’s why the safest, most effective spacing is to have one firefighter at each fly section. A single firefighter on the ladder or fixed-distance spacing doesn’t provide that continuous, section-by-section control, and the other distances don’t reflect how the line interacts with the ladder during raising.

Handling an uncharged ladder line requires keeping control along every moving part of the ladder as it’s raised. Extension ladders have fly sections that move to lengthen the ladder; guiding the line from a position at each of those sections keeps tension even and prevents the hose from snagging on rungs or catching on the ladder as it extends. That’s why the safest, most effective spacing is to have one firefighter at each fly section. A single firefighter on the ladder or fixed-distance spacing doesn’t provide that continuous, section-by-section control, and the other distances don’t reflect how the line interacts with the ladder during raising.