Extension ladders of what height were brought to fires to allow access to the fifth floor?

To determine the appropriate ladder height for accessing the fifth floor of a building during a fire, it is essential to consider the average height of a floor in a building, which typically ranges from 10 to 12 feet. Based on this standard, a five-story building would approximate a height of 50 to 60 feet.

However, to ensure adequate reach, especially considering potential obstructions like parapets or roof overhangs, fire services often utilize extension ladders that exceed the minimum height calculation. An extension ladder of 75 feet provides sufficient length, not only to reach the fifth floor but also to allow for safe positioning and effective operation. This height provides the necessary flexibility to accommodate various building designs and ensures firefighters can safely operate from a secure platform.

Other height options, such as 65 feet or 50 feet, would not suffice to effectively reach the fifth floor under typical circumstances, especially when accounting for the standard height of the floors plus any additional elevation needed for safety and accessibility. Thus, the extension ladder height of 75 feet is deemed appropriate for allowing safe access to the fifth floor during firefighting operations.