By Kyle Stephens

Laddering upper floors can be challenging if it is not done regularly. Estimating ladder height and placing ladders at the correct position on the first attempt is difficult during fireground operations.

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Smoke and fire conditions, nighttime operations, and weather often lead to ladder correction or multiple attempts to place the ladder at the proper height. Depth perception is also an obstacle when placing ground ladders at third- and fourth-story windows.

This drill is a quick tip showing the step-by-step procedure that will assist in accurate ladder placement on the first attempt despite any fireground obstacle.

Kyle Stephensis an assistant chief with Ashburn (VA) Volunteer Fire and Rescue, an emergency vehicle driver for the Baltimore City (MD) Fire Department, and an instructor with Traditions Training, LLC.