Escaleras Trabajo Portland Fire

LADDER EVOLUTIONS SECTION 8
GLOSSARY
FORWARD BEAM
POSITION
The firefighter closest to the heel position as the ladder is

being raised on the beam.
REAR BEAM
POSITION
The firefighter farthest from the heel position as the ladder is

being raised on the beam.
OUTSIDE BEAM
OR POLE
The beam or pole farthest from the building, ladder flat and
parallel.
LOWER POLE
POSITION
With the ladder on the beam, the firefighter at the lower pole
position will handle the pole that is under the ladder.
UPPER POLE
POSITION
With the ladder on the beam, the firefighter at the upper pole
position will handle the pole that is on top of the ladder.
ROOFER
An accepted term for a roof ladder.
INSIDE BEAM
POSITION
The firefighter closest to the building during the raise on the

flat.
OUTSIDE BEAM
POSITION
The firefighter opposite the inside beam position during the

raise on the flat.
PF&R Training Manual
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July 2014
PART I
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
The various ladder evolutions described
here should be studied and considered
as guides to the methods used at actual
fire operations. The evolutions are not
an end in themselves, but rather a
means of developing the skills,
teamwork, and feel of ladders for
effective ladder work.
Uniform
fireground methods develop from
training
exercises.
Therefore,
evolutions should be followed during
ladder drills with little deviation. The
technique and discipline which result
from competence in ladder evolutions
will prove to be valuable during
fireground operations.
Safe and proper procedures in handling
fire
service
ladders
cannot
be
overemphasized and must be exercised
at all times. No firefighter should be
permitted on any ladder until it has been
properly and safely placed for climbing.
During ladder evolutions, the firefighter
uses certain ladder handling skills. A
thorough understanding of them is a
prerequisite to successful ladder use.
These skills have been detailed in
Section
7,
Ladder
Practices.
Supplementing these skills are rules and
precautions that are important to learn.
They are detailed in Parts I and II. The
Ladder evolutions begin in Part III.
LADDER SELECTION
Selecting a ladder of the proper length
to meet the needs of a particular
situation is a skill requiring good
judgment and experience. The result of
selecting too short a ladder are self
evident; too long a ladder is
cumbersome to handle, awkward to
place and difficult to work from.
To develop proficiency in selection, the
height of particular places such as
windows, balconies, roofs and the
ladders needed to reach them should be
estimated during drills. These estimates
should be checked by actually making
the raises.
On many commercial buildings a

twenty-four foot ladder will reach
second story windows, and a thirtyfive foot ladder will reach third story
windows. To reach windows above
the third story, a forty-five foot ladder
will usually be needed.
The length of the ladder is marked

on the outside of the beams at the
heel end (Figure 1). This makes the
various lengths of ladders easily
identifiable
and
eliminates
guesswork when removing ladders
from the apparatus.
The first group of rules and precautions

to be considered are those dealing with
the selection of ladders.
(Figure 1 Ladder marked on outside of beam)
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An extension ladder may be used

partially extended or even fully
closed. It can therefore be useful at
many heights below its fully
extended length.
location of the ladder can be affected

by such things as trees, shrubs,
overhead wires, signs, etc.
Uneven terrain must be considered

because it will determine the type of
raise that is used. Ladders placed
on a slope may also require the use
of ladder blocks before the ladder is
climbed.
Spotting the heel of the ladder too far

from the building makes it difficult to
adjust the heel inward. It also makes
lowering of the ladder to the building
awkward and may result in damage
to the ladder if the top should strike
the building hard. Especially with
ladders which are being raised to
higher elevations, it is better to place
the heel as close as feasible to the
building and adjust the heel outward
to the proper climbing angle after the
ladder is raised (Figure 2).
When ladders are taken down after

being used, they should promptly be
replaced on the truck.
LADDER PLACEMENT
Ladders must be placed in position so
that safe and easy climbing will be
assured. The responsibility for proper
placement rests upon the officer in
charge of raising them.
There are a number of important items
to consider in the placement of ladders
before they can be considered safe for
climbing.
Look for obstructions that may

complicate the placement of ladders.
The method of raising and the
RIGHT
WRONG
(Figure 2 Spotting ladder - right and wrong)
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Spot the heel of a ladder in line with

the center of the window.
Both stirrups of a ladder must be

firmly and evenly placed to prevent
the top of the ladder from sliding.
The poles, if any, must be properly
set and the upper end of the ladder
must rest squarely on the building.
When raising a ladder to a fire

escape, spot the heel of the ladder
so the top will rest on the fire escape
after completion of the raise.
A flatter climbing angle provides

more stability for the climber than a
steeper angle if a choice must be
made for reasons such as an
obstruction or tip placement at the
window sill. However, a flat angle
may cause the ladder heel to kick
out when placed on hard surfaces
like asphalt or concrete. In these
situations, the heel of the ladder
must be secured before it is climbed.
(a)
(b)
A minimum of five rungs of a ladder

should be above the point where the
ladder rests on a parapet or edge of
a roof (Figure 3a). When so placed,
the ladder serves as a handhold for
firefighters getting on or off the roof,
provides a place to secure hose lines
being stretched to the roof, and
is more visible for firefighter
egress.
When a ladder is raised to a window
for entry, firefighter exit, and/or hose
line advancement (Figure 3b and c).
The tip of the ladder should be
placed at or slightly below the sill
line. Ladders that project into the
window
opening
become
an
obstruction if rapid exit from the
window is required.
If the intention is only to work the

nozzle from outside the building, the
top of the ladder may be rested on
the building wall above the window
and not placed in the window (Figure
3e).
(c)
(d)
(e)
(Figure 3 Ladder placement)
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Climbing Side
In raising roof ladders for climbing, it is
not critical that one certain side of the
ladder be uppermost as the climbing
side.
For extension ladders, the
manufacturer recommends that the
ladder be placed for climbing with the fly
outward in order to provide maximum
safety and efficiency. This method has
been adopted as Portland Fire &
Rescue policy and is reflected in the
following presentation of ladder raises.
Raising the Fly
When raising or lowering
of an extension ladder,
precautions should be
safety, standardization,
operation.
the fly section

the following
observed for
and ease of
(Figure 4 Halyard pulley at top of main

section)
Poles must be at a 90 degree angle

from each other while fly sections
are being raised. Pole persons must
verbally help each other keep the
ladder vertical.
The ladder must be heeled at all

times when the fly is being raised or
lowered.
Watching the top of the ladder will

help keep the ladder in a vertical
position.
Firefighters steadying extension

ladders should keep their hands on
the outside of the beams and their
fingers out of the trusses.
Fly sections on all extension ladders

should be lowered hand over hand
rather than by allowing the halyard to
slide through the hands.
Before an extension ladder can be

considered safe for climbing, the
halyard must be secured at a
convenient rung on the main section.
When an extension ladder has been

raised, the firefighter who is to
secure the halyard reaches through
the first and second rungs from the
bottom and takes hold of the halyard
and pulls on it with a steady tension.
Constant tension must be held on
the halyard until it has been secured.
When the heel has been properly
adjusted, the halyard is then tied.
This action holds the fly section dogs
The fixed halyard pulley is set at an

angle at the top of the main section
(Figure 4). Stay in close to the
ladder when raising or lowering the
fly to avoid jamming the halyard in
the pulley. Adjust your position, if
necessary, to keep the halyard riding
in the pulley wheel groove.
Lowering a ladder into a building by
means of the halyard is unsafe.
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firmly seated on the main section,
thus helping to prevent accidental
unlocking of the dogs (Figure 5).
(Figure 5 - Holding tension in halyard,

before halyard is secured)
(a)
Halyard Tie
The halyard tie consists of making a turn
on each side of the standing part of the
halyard and finished with a half hitch.
The slack of the halyard is taken up by
pulling the rope through the backside of
the ladder between the first and second
rungs (Figure 6a). The end bight of the
halyard is thrown between the rungs
using a dart-like throwing motion
(Figure 6b). At this point, you may need
to take up additional slack by wrapping
the halyard around additional rungs
(Figure 6c). The rope is drawn back up
on the backside of the ladder to
complete the first turn (Figure 6d). A
second turn is made on the opposite
side of the standing part using the same
throwing motion (Figure 6e). A half
hitch is used to complete the halyard tie
(Figure 6f and g). If the rope touches
the ground, slack may be taken up by
placing another half hitch around the
standing part.
(Figure 6 The halyard tie, a-g)
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(b)
July 2014
(d)
(c)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(Figure 6 - The halyard tie (continued))
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SECURING LADDERS
After ladders have been raised, they
sometimes have a tendency to slide
from the position in which they have
been placed. This lack of stability is
often caused by the heel of the ladder
resting on uneven ground or hard
smooth surfaces; the ladder not being at
its proper climbing angle; the top resting
on a metal surface; or a charged line
being operated from the ladder. High
winds, icy conditions and improper
climbing can also cause a ladder to be
unsteady.
For this reason, it is sometimes
necessary to secure a ladder in position
by tying it at the top, or by a firefighter
anchoring the heel at the bottom. When
a secured by tying it at the top, it should
be tied by the first firefighter to climb the
ladder. The ladder should be heeled by
another firefighter until the tying is
completed. A ladder being used for the
operation of a charged line must be
secured by tying or anchoring.
Securing to Fire Escapes
A short piece of rope is customarily
carried attached to the top rung of the
ladder used to reach fire escapes. It is
tied to the rung of the fire escape just
above the top rung of the raised ladder,
using a clove hitch and a safety knot
(Figure 7).
If the distance from the top rung of the
ladder to the next higher rung of the fire
escape is such that the normal tie would
fail to hold the top of the ladder snugly,
a more positive tie must be employed.
In this tie, the rope is taken over the
next higher rung of the fire escape, and
then down to and under the fire escape
rung immediately below and brought
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back up to the top rung of the ladder

and tied (Figure 8). The knot used here
is also the clove hitch and safety knot.
(Figure 7 Ladder secured to fire escape)
(Figure 8 Alternate method of securing)
Securing to Windows
When it is considered essential to
secure a ladder in a window, a short
piece of rope or a utility strap can be
used to secure the ladder to any
convenient object inside the window.
Securing to Roofs
A ladder may be secured to a roof by
the use of a personal rope or a utility
July 2014

strap tied to some object on the roof,
such as a vent pipe or the exposed
sheeting of a shingled roof.
Anchoring the Heel
When it is desirable to secure a ladder
by heeling, there are two methods that
may be used. One is to place your toes
against the stirrups of the ladder and

grasp the beams firmly with your hands.
The other method of anchoring the heel
is employed when the ladder is
constantly used as an avenue of travel.
You stand underneath the ladder facing
it. Grasping the beams firmly in your
hands and use your body weight to
anchor the ladder (Figure 9).
(Figure 9 Two methods of anchoring the heel of a ladder)
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PART II
LADDER CARRIES
Important considerations in carrying
ladders are the stability and security of
the ladder, the safety and comfort of the
firefighters carrying the ladder, and the
well-being of spectators and other
firefighters present on the fireground.
Firefighters should be conscious that the
ladders
they
are
handling
are
emergency equipment which, in addition
to needing the best of care, must be
properly handled so they effectively
perform the emergency function for
which they were designed.
Teamwork in carrying and raising
ladders lessens the possibility of strains
and injuries and makes for greater
speed and efficiency.
Considerable
practice is necessary to obtain the feel
of ladders and to know how to control
their weight properly.
Good ladder
practices result in safe and efficient
laddering operations on the fireground.
The rhythm, care, and cooperative
procedure of an effective ladder
company comes from meaningful,
repetitive drilling.
Ladders can be distorted by picking
them up by the end of one beam. If
lifted from the end, they should be lifted
by both beams equally. One firefighter,
rolling a ladder or turning it up onto the
beam on the ground, should lift at the
middle of the beam (Figure 10).
(Figure 10 One person lifting or turning a

ladder over in the horizontal position)
Two firefighters lifting should position

themselves one at each end of the
beam. Ladders are designed to absorb
stress at right angle to the rungs, and
weight or strain applied at a greater or
lesser angle can damage the ladder. A
ladder weakened by mishandling such
as distortion or slamming into a building
may fail under stress and cause serious
injury or death to the citizen or firefighter
using it.
Ladders should not be carried at a run
but rather at a rapid, safe walk.
Firefighters carrying a ladder should
watch the path they are following for
holes and obstructions that could cause
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them to trip or stumble. They should
also watch the ends of the ladder,
keeping them in the clear and exercising
care to avoid striking people on the
fireground.
Particular care must be
taken when rounding a corner or
entering a doorway. A warning shout is
advisable in these instances as a safety
precaution.
Many ladder accidents occur at night
when there is inadequate light,
especially
in
smoky
fireground
conditions. A flashlight should be used
for illumination and also to attract the
attention of bystanders in order to clear
a path through them.
Ladders are carried between the
apparatus and point of use in two
positions: the beam position, with the
rungs vertical; or the flat position, with
the rungs horizontal. The beam position
is normally used in carrying short
ladders while the flat position is
employed for longer, heavier ladders.
There is also a vertical carry which is
sometimes used to shift a ladder that
has already been raised. This carry is
presented in Section 7 as an individual
skill.
Vertical carries with multiple
firefighters will be covered later in this
section.
CARRIES (ONE FIREFIGHTER)

If a raised ladder is to be moved only a
short distance, the vertical carry
explained in Section 7 may be used.
For longer carries, the ladder must be
lowered and carried on the beam. It is
never practical for a single firefighter to
carry a ladder in the flat position.
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Beam Carry
Place the ladder on its beam and take a
position at the center. Then make a
beam pickup for carry and proceed to
the location where the ladder is to be
used. The heel of the ladder should be
pointed down to prevent serious injury if
someone were to accidentally run into
the ladder.
CARRIES (TWO FIREFIGHTERS)

Beam Carry
The ladder is placed on the beam and
the firefighters take their positions on
the same side at the second rung from
each end of the ladder and place the
ladder on their shoulders using the
beam pickup for carry.
Underarm Carry
The ladder is placed on the beam and
the firefighters making the carry squat
alongside the second rung from each
end on the same side of the ladder.
Facing the direction of carry and
reaching over the ladder, they grasp the
rung with the hand on that side with
thumbs pointing downward.
As the
firefighters rise, the ladder is lifted to the
underarm position and is ready to carry.
The ladder may be picked up from the
flat position in the following manner for
either of the aforementioned carries:
The firefighters position on the same
side of the ladder and face the direction
of carry. Grasping the second rung from
each end with the hand next to the
ladder, palms forward, they then place
the ladder on their shoulders or under
their arms as they rise to a standing
position (Figure 11).
July 2014

carrying it on their shoulders or under
their arms. The third firefighter takes a
position in the middle of the ladder on
the opposite side from the end
firefighters and passes the hand next to
the ladder between the rungs and
grasps the lower beam to assist in
carrying the ladder. In other words, the
two end firefighters will be on the same
side of the ladder carrying it on their
shoulders while the third firefighter, in
the middle on the opposite side, will be
carrying by the lower beam (Figure 12).
(Figure 11 Underarm carry, two FF)
Vertical Carry
The lead firefighter takes a position on
one side of the ladder near the leading
beam and faces the direction in which
the ladder is to be placed. The hand
nearest the ladder grasps the second or
third rung from the heel close to the
leading beam. Take hold of the beam
overhead with the other hand.
(Figure 12 Beam carry, three FF)
The second firefighter makes the

vertical carry in front of the body, on the
rear beam. Both firefighters lift and
carry the ladder to the desired location
while canting it slightly over the rear
firefighter, as in the one firefighter
vertical carry. A close watch is kept on
the top of the ladder to see that remains
properly balanced.
CARRIES (THREE FIREFIGHTERS)
Beam Carry
This carry is performed the same as the
two firefighter carry with the firefighters
being distributed along the ladder and
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Flat Carry
The three firefighters take their positions
on the ladder as follows: Two firefighters
are at the leading end, one on each side
of the ladder about one fourth the
distance from the end.
The third
firefighter is at the rear end of the ladder
between the beams.
The firefighters squat and pick the
ladder up; the forward firefighters by
means of the flat pickup for carry and
the rear firefighter by the beam ends.
The ladder is carried as shown in Figure
13.
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Flat Carry
The firefighters take their positions at
the ends of the ladder, two on each
side, and make the flat pickup for carry.
The ladder is carried on the shoulder.
During transportation the direction of
carry may be reversed by each
firefighter placing the outer, or free
hand, under the beam and at the same
time turning toward the ladder to face
the opposite direction with the ladder on
the opposite shoulder (Figure 14).
(Figure 13 Flat carry, three FF)
Vertical Carry
This operation is performed in much the
same manner as in the two firefighter
vertical carry. The third firefighter takes
a position on the opposite side of the
ladder from the leading firefighter and
the ladder is lifted and carried in the
same way as in the two firefighter
vertical carry.
(Figure 14 Flat carry, four FF)
CARRIES (FOUR FIREFIGHTERS)

Beam Carry
This carry is performed the same as the
three firefighter beam carry with the
fourth firefighter taking a position on the
same side of the ladder with the third
firefighter. They adjust their positions so
that each is about one-third the length of
the ladder from the end.
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PART III
LADDER RAISES
For training purposes, the most often employed evolutions are presented here.
Becoming familiar with and practicing these ladder evolutions will develop the teamwork
and confidence necessary for an effective ladder company. Only the operation of
raising the various ladders will be presented. To lower a ladder the procedure is
reversed.
ONE FIREFIGHTER LADDER RAISES

Fundamentally there are two skill positions involved in raising ladders; the heel position
and the beam position. For a one firefighter raise, the building, a curb, or etc., is used
to heel the ladder and the firefighter making the raise operates in the beam position.
One firefighter ladder raises can either be started on the flat (Figure 15), the beam
(Figure 16), or by using the 24 foot extension ladder to raise to a fire escape balcony
(Figure 17).
One Firefighter - Right Angle
Ladder is at a right angle to the building with the heel against the building.
A. Perform a flat pickup for raise and keep heel of ladder against building.
B. Adjust ladder to proper climbing angle.
(Figure 15 One Firefighter - Right Angle Raise)
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One Firefighter - Beam Raise
Ladder is at a right angle to the building with the heel about one foot from the wall.
A. Perform a beam pickup for carry.
B. As the ladder reaches shoulder height, turn down flat, and shove the heel against
the building.
C. Complete the raise as a flat raise. Adjust to the proper climbing angle.
(Figure 16 One Firefighter - Beam Raise)
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One Firefighter - Fire Escape Extension Ladder Raise
The ladder that is generally used for this raise is the 24 foot extension ladder found on
all engines.
A. Grasp the ladder rungs, climbing side away from body, spanning the middle of the
ladder for balance. Spot the ladder upright with heel below and just to the balcony
side of the fire escape ladder.
B. Place one foot on the middle of the bottom rung with the next rung above resting
against the shin. Raise the fly to the required height, using both hands on the
halyard, and lock the dogs.
C. Take hold of the beams and lower the ladder to the fire escape balcony.
D. Roll the ladder over onto the fire escape ladder. Adjust the heel of the ladder to the
proper climbing angle.
(Figure 17 One Firefighter - Fire Escape Extension Ladder Raise)
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TWO FIREFIGHTER LADDER RAISES
When raising ladders with two or more firefighters, the decision to use a flat or beam
raise that is either parallel or at a right angle to the building is determined by the
presence of overhead obstructions, the clearance around the building, the direction
of approach and the slope of the ground. Beam raises are the most efficient due to
the rapid transition that is possible from a beam carry to a raise. When placing a
ladder on sloped terrain, it should be raised so that the heel is across the slope
when the ladder is brought to vertical. This will allow the ladder to stand straight up
and make it easier to control as the fly is raised. For example, on ground that slopes
away from the building, a flat right angle raise or a parallel beam raise should be
used. In cases where the ground slope is parallel with the building, a right angle
beam raise or a parallel flat raise should be used. Ladders placed on a slope may
also require the use of ladder blocks before the ladder is climbed. Ladder blocks are
inserted under the downhill beam from the inside (building side). This will result in
the block becoming more secure as the ladder is loaded and will be less likley to
dislodge.
Two Firefighter - Flat Raise
Beam Position
A. Perform a flat pickup for raise.
B. Move between ladder and building.
C. Steady the ladder while it is lowered to the building.
D. Assist in adjusting ladder to proper climbing angle.
Heel Position
A. Heel the ladder flat.
B. Heel and steady the ladder.
C. Lower ladder to the building.
D. Turn ladder down to the building, adjust to proper climbing angle.
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(Figure 18 Two Firefighters - Flat Raise)
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Two Firefighter - Right Angle Raise
Ladder is positioned flat at a right angle to the building. The heel of the ladder should be
about four feet from the wall.
Beam Position
A. Flat or beam pickup for raise.
B. Heel and steady the ladder while it is lowered to the building.
C. Assist in adjusting the ladder to the proper climbing angle.
Heel Position
A. Heel the ladder in the flat or beam position.
B. Lower the ladder to the building.
(Figure 19 Two Firefighters - Right Angle Flat Raise)
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Two Firefighter - Beam Raise
This evolution starts with two firefighters carrying the ladder on the beam. When the
place is reached where the ladder is to be raised, the firefighter at the heel position
places the heel of the ladder on the ground, usually on the beam although it may be
turned flat. The firefighter at that point heels the ladder while the other firefighter raises
the ladder from the shoulder to the vertical.
Beam Position
A. Beam pickup for raise.
B. Move to the side of the ladder opposite to the firefighter at the heel. Assist in
lowering the ladder to the building.
Heel Position
A. Heel the ladder on the beam or flat.
B. Heel and steady the ladder while it is lowered to the building.
(Figure 20 Two Firefighters Parallel Beam Raise)
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Under emergency conditions, two firefighters can raise extension ladders up to thirtyfive feet in length.
Two Firefighter - Flat Parallel Raise (35 Extension Ladder)
Spot thirty-five foot extension ladder parallel to the building, climbing side up.
Beam Position
A. Flat pickup for raise.
B. Move between ladder and building and raise fly.
C. Maintain tension on halyard. Assist in lowering ladder to the building. Assist in
turning ladder to building.
D. Assist in adjusting ladder to proper climbing angles. Tie off halyard.
Heel Position
A. Heel ladder flat.
B. Heel and steady ladder while fly is raised.
C. Heel and steady ladder while it is lowered to the building. Turn ladder to building.
(Figure 21 Two Firefighters - Flat Parallel Raise, 35 Extension Ladder)
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Two Firefighter - Right Angle Flat Raise (35 Extension Ladder)
Ladder is positioned flat at a right angle with the climbing side down and the heel of the
ladder about four feet from the wall.
Beam Position
B. Steady ladder while the fly is being raised.
C. Assist in lowering the ladder to the building.
D. Assist in adjusting ladder to the proper climbing angle.
Heel Position
A. Heel ladder in the flat position.
B. Raise the fly.
C. Maintain tension on halyard. Assist in lowering the ladder to the building.
D. Assist in adjusting ladder to the proper climbing angle. Tie off halyard.
(Figure 22 Two Firefighters - Right Angle Flat Raise, 35 Extension Ladder)
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Two Firefighters - Parallel Beam Raise (35 Extension Ladder)
Beam Position
B. Move between ladder and building and raise the fly.
C. Maintain tension on halyard. Assist in lowering ladder to the building.
D. Assist in adjusting ladder to the proper climbing angle. Tie off halyard.
Heel Position
A. Heel ladder on the beam.
B. Steady the ladder while the fly is being raised.
D. Assist in adjusting ladder to the proper climbing angle.
(Figure 23 Two Firefighters Parallel Beam Raise 35 Extension Ladder)
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THREE FIREFIGHTER LADDER RAISES
A three firefighter team is desirable when performing thirty-five feet ladder raises. The
additional firefighter becomes a second beam position. The inside beam position is the
firefighter at the beam, closest to the building. The outside beam position is the
firefighter at the beam, opposite the inside beam position.
Three Firefighters Parallel Flat Raise
Inside Beam Position

B. Raise the fly.
C. Maintain tension on halyard. Assist in lowering ladder to building. Assist in turning
ladder into building.
D. Assist in adjusting ladder to proper climbing angle. Tie off halyard.
Outside Beam Position

B. Steady ladder while fly is being raised.
C. Assist in lowering ladder to building. Assist in turning ladder into building.
Heel Position
B. Heel and steady ladder while fly is being raised.
C. Heel and steady ladder as it is lowered to building. Assist in turning ladder into
building.
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(Figure 24 Three Firefighters - Parallel Flat Raise)
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Three Firefighters - Right Angle Flat Raise

The ladder is flat at a right angle to the building and with the heel of the ladder four to
six feet from the wall. The climbing side needs to be down.
Beam Positions
B. One beam person moves to the side position after the ladder is at the vertical and
the other beam person steadies the ladder as the fly is being raised.
C. Both beam positions assist in lowering the ladder to the building.
D. Both beam positions adjust the ladder to the proper climbing angle.
Heel Position
B. Raise the fly.
D. Assist in adjusting the ladder to the proper climbing angle. Tie off halyard.
Page 26
July 2014
(Figure 25 Three Firefighters - Right Angle Flat Raise)
Page 27
July 2014
Three Firefighters Parallel Beam Raise

A three firefighter carry, spot, and raise is frequently employed. When this raise is
made on the flat, make sure that the climbing side (the fly section) is up. When made
on the beam as illustrated, the fly should be away from the building. The forward beam
position is the firefighter that is closest to the heel position during the raise. The rear
beam position is the firefighter that is furthest from the heel position during the raise.
Rear Beam Position

B. Move to the opposite side position of the ladder. Steady the ladder while fly is being
raised.
C. Assist in lowering ladder to building.
D. Assist in adjusting the ladder to the proper climbing angle.
Forward Beam Position

B. Raise the fly.
Heel Position
A. Heel the ladder on the beam.
B. Heel and steady the ladder while the fly is being raised.
Page 28
July 2014
(Figure 26 Three Firefighters Parallel Beam Raise)
Page 29
July 2014

FOUR FIREFIGHTER POLED LADDER RAISES
The raising of 45 poled extension ladders usually requires the services of an entire four
person crew. The company officer, who is responsible for the proper placing and
raising of the ladder, takes the pole on the side of the ladder away from the building, the
outside pole, whenever possible. This position gives the best overall view and direction
of the evolution. The rest of the crew will operate at the other ladder positions. If
additional firefighters are available, they should assume appropriate positions on the
ladder to assist with the raise. Consideration should be given to double up the heel
position first.
When raising poled ladders, the firefighter at the heel position should be given every
consideration possible. Initial lifting and raising of the ladder must be done by the
firefighters at the beam positions. The firefighters at the pole positions assist only after
the ladder has reached an angle which allows a push or pull on the poles to impart
vertical rather than horizontal force.
(Figure 27 Three section poled ladder)
Page 30
July 2014
Page 31
July 2014
Four Firefighter Parallel Flat Raise (Poled Ladder)

In this raise, the ladder is placed parallel and as close to the building as feasible. The
climbing side is up and the heel is spotted to the middle of the window to which the
ladder is being raised. Before beginning the raise, the end of the outside pole is
unshipped and swung over to the firefighter handling the pole at the top of the ladder.
The outside pole position is usually the officer or the firefighter in charge. The firefighter
on the inside beam position will operate as the inside pole position after the raise.
Inside Pole (Beam) Position

B. Assume inside pole position between ladder and building. Move to position at right
angle.
C. Steady ladder while it is lowered to building.
D. Place pole near building after turndown.
Outside Beam Position

B. Raise the fly.
C. Maintain tension on halyard. Move between ladder and the building. Lower the
ladder to the building.
Heel Position
A. Heel the ladder in the flat position.
B. Heel and steady ladder while the fly is raised.
C. Steady the ladder while it is lowered to the building. Turn the ladder down to the
building.
Outside Pole Position

A. Hold outside pole and take the position in line with the ladder. Assist in raise to the
vertical.
B. Move away from the building to a right angle from the ladder after the inside pole
position has been established. Steady the ladder while the fly is being raised.
C. Lower the ladder to the building.
D. Place the pole near the building after the turndown.
Page 32
July 2014
(Figure 28 Four Firefighters Parallel Flat Raise Pole Ladder)
Page 33
July 2014

Four Firefighters - Right Angle Flat Raise (Pole Ladder)
The ladder is placed at a right angle to the building with the climbing side down and the
heel about six feet from the building wall. The heel is spotted in line with the objective;
window, balcony, etc. Before beginning the raise the right pole end is unshipped and
swung over to the person handling the pole at the top of the ladder.
Left Beam Position

B. Hold left pole and assume a position parallel with the face of the ladder. Steady the
ladder while the fly is being raised.
C. Steady the ladder while it is being lowered to the building.
D. Place the pole near the building after lowering.
Right Beam Position

B. Heel the ladder while the fly is being raised.
C. Heel and steady the ladder while it is being lowered into the building.
D. Assist and adjust the ladder to the proper climbing angle.
Heel Position
A. Heel the ladder in the flat position.
B. Raise the fly.
Pole Position
A. Hold the pole at the position directly in line with the ladder. Assist in raising ladder to
the vertical.
B. Maintain same position and steady ladder while fly is being raised.
C. Lower ladder to the building.
D. Place pole near the building after lowering.
Page 34
July 2014
(Figure 29 Four Firefighters - Right Angle Flat Raise, Pole Ladder)
Page 35
July 2014

Four firefighters - Shooting a straight ladder
The ladder shoot is intended for use in those situations where, because of obstructions
overhead, the ladder cannot be raised and lowered to the building in the normal
manner. In this raise, the top of the ladder is slid up the face of the building by the
firefighters at the beam positions, while the heel is pushed in toward the building by the
firefighters at the heel positions.
Beam positions
A. Flat pickup for raise but remain standing in the same place facing the building.
B. After pickup, remain in position while pushing the ladder up as the heel is advanced
toward you.
C. When the heel cannot be advanced any further, walk forward to bring the ladder to
the vertical.
Heel positions
A. Take positions on each side of the ladder heel. Grasp the second rung and the
beam near the fourth rung.
B. As the firefighters on the beam raise the ladder, slide the heel along the ground
toward them.
C. When the heel of the ladder can no longer be advanced, heel the ladder as in a flat
raise.
(Figure 30 Four firefighters shooting a straight ladder.)
Page 36
July 2014
PART IV
SPECIAL OPERATIONS
The ladder operations in this section
have been developed to meet the need
of special occasions, to supplement a
normal evolution, and for use in
extraordinary conditions.
beam at the center of the ropes. (Figure

31). The ladder is then raised in the
ordinary manner and the fly extended to
desired height.
SPECIAL RAISE
The name of each evolution in this
section is descriptive of its particular
use.
Center of the Room Raise
This is a means of raising a ladder for
use when it is not possible to place the
top against a building wall, such as in
the center of a large auditorium. Either
a straight or extension ladder may be
used.
To start, the ladder is laid out as an
ordinary flat raise (If an extension ladder
is to be used, the fly is moved up three
or four rungs and the dogs locked). A
roof rope is fastened to the top of each
(Figure 31 Rope secured to top of each

beam for center of room raise)
With the ladder in a vertical position, the

tails of the two ropes are held by four
firefighters, one firefighter on each tail at
an angle of thirty to forty degrees with
the face of the ladder (Figure 32). Each
firefighter places the rope around the
waist and draws it up taut by bringing a
bight in the end of the rope around the
hauling line.
(Figure 32 Center of the room raise)
Page 37
July 2014

SUPPLEMENTARY OPERATIONS
The
following
operations
are
supplementary to, or extensions of,
regular operations but are employed
often enough to be effectively developed
and standardized.
Positioning a Roofer - One Firefighter
A roofer is brought to the base of the
ladder to be climbed. The roofer is
positioned with its heel against the
building (similar to a single person
straight ladder raise). The firefighter
moves to the top of the roofer, rotates
the hooks down and away (Figure 33),
and proceeds with the single person
raise against the building. The roofer is
then placed upright, hooks away,
against the ladder to be climbed (Figure
34).
The firefighter who will place the roofer

ascends the raised ladder to a position
where the roofer can be placed on the
shoulder by passing an arm through the
rungs. This should be near the top of
the roofer, where the ladder will balance
when placed on the shoulder (Figure
35). The opened hooks on the roofer
must be out away from the body.
(Figure 33 - Opening hooks on a roofer)
(Figure 35 Taking a roofer up a ladder)
As the heel of the roofer leaves the

ground, it is adjusted over the side of
the ladder by bringing the forward beam
of the roofer back tightly against the
front of the shoulder.
Continuing up the ladder to the location
from which the roofer is to be placed,
The firefighter reaches through the
rungs of the climbing ladder, guides the
ladder onto the roof and then slides it
up the roof until the hooks can be
(Figure 34 Roofer positioned to be taken

up a ladder)
Page 38
July 2014

engaged with the roof ridge (Figure 36).
The roofer can be slid either on the
beam or in the flat position with hooks
down.
(Figure 36 Sliding a roofer up a roof)
Positioning a Roofer - Two Firefighters

The roofer is beam carried to the base
of the ladder to be climbed. Before
climbing, the forward beam firefighter
opens and locks the hooks on the
roofer. The forward beam firefighter
then grasps the top rung, with the hooks
away or to the outside. The firefighter at
the heel of the ladder grasps the last
rung (Figure 38). They lift the ladder
slightly off their shoulders and out to a
position so the roofer is to the outside of
the beam of the ladder being climbed.
Both firefighters ascend the ladder, one
hand sliding up the beam and the other
grasping the roofer rung. Continuing up
the ladder to the location from which the
roofer is to be placed, the upper person
reaches through the rungs of the
climbing ladder and guides the roofer
onto the roof where the firefighter in the
lead can slide the it on the beam into
place on the roof (Figure 39). The
second firefighter assists by carrying the
heel of the roofer as high as possible
before letting go. At that point, the
upper person lays the roofer either flat
with the hooks down or on the beam
and holds position. The lower person
continues to climb until immediately
below the upper person, and as a team,
they position the roofer (Figure 40).
(Figure 37-Proper hand placement)
Page 39
July 2014

When placing long roofers, after the
hooks are opened the roofer is
sometimes raised by a two firefighter
raise and placed against the ladder to
be climbed, as when one firefighter is
placing a roofer. The firefighter in the
lead then ascends the climbing ladder
and grasps the ladder as before and the
second firefighter takes hold of the
bottom rung and the raise continues.
(Figure 38 2 firefighters placing a roofer)
Using a Ladder Over Open Spaces in

Floors
A straight ladder of any length may be
used for protection across portions of a
floor that has been burned and
weakened. The ladder is laid flat and at
an angle to take in as many of the joists
as possible.
(Figure 39 - 2 firefighters placing a roofer)
(Figure 40 - 2 firefighters placing a roofer)
Page 40
July 2014

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LADDER EVOLUTIONS SECTION 8

The firefighter closest to the heel position as the ladder is

The firefighter farthest from the heel position as the ladder is

An accepted term for a roof ladder.

The firefighter closest to the building during the raise on the

The firefighter opposite the inside beam position during the

PF&R Training Manual

LADDER EVOLUTIONS SECTION 8

On many commercial buildings a

The length of the ladder is marked

The first group of rules and precautions

(Figure 1 Ladder marked on outside of beam)

PF&R Training Manual

LADDER EVOLUTIONS SECTION 8

An extension ladder may be used

location of the ladder can be affected

Uneven terrain must be considered

Spotting the heel of the ladder too far

When ladders are taken down after

Look for obstructions that may

(Figure 2 Spotting ladder - right and wrong)

PF&R Training Manual

LADDER EVOLUTIONS SECTION 8

Spot the heel of a ladder in line with

Both stirrups of a ladder must be

When raising a ladder to a fire

A flatter climbing angle provides

A minimum of five rungs of a ladder

If the intention is only to work the

(Figure 3 Ladder placement)

PF&R Training Manual

LADDER EVOLUTIONS SECTION 8

the fly section

(Figure 4 Halyard pulley at top of main

Poles must be at a 90 degree angle

The ladder must be heeled at all

Watching the top of the ladder will

Firefighters steadying extension

Fly sections on all extension ladders

Before an extension ladder can be

When an extension ladder has been

The fixed halyard pulley is set at an

PF&R Training Manual

LADDER EVOLUTIONS SECTION 8

(Figure 5 - Holding tension in halyard,

PF&R Training Manual

(Figure 6 The halyard tie, a-g)

LADDER EVOLUTIONS SECTION 8

PF&R Training Manual

LADDER EVOLUTIONS SECTION 8

PF&R Training Manual

back up to the top rung of the ladder

(Figure 7 Ladder secured to fire escape)

(Figure 8 Alternate method of securing)

LADDER EVOLUTIONS SECTION 8

against the stirrups of the ladder and

(Figure 9 Two methods of anchoring the heel of a ladder)

PF&R Training Manual

LADDER EVOLUTIONS SECTION 8

(Figure 10 One person lifting or turning a

Two firefighters lifting should position

PF&R Training Manual

LADDER EVOLUTIONS SECTION 8

CARRIES (ONE FIREFIGHTER)