Extension ladders typically move in what increments?

Extension ladders are designed to provide versatility in height and accessibility while maintaining safety and stability. They typically adjust in increments of 14 inches. This standard increment allows firefighters to effectively position the ladder for a variety of scenarios, such as reaching different floors of a building or accessing areas at varying heights. The 14-inch increment strikes a balance between fine-tuning the ladder’s length for specific needs and ensuring that the ladder remains manageable and easy to operate under emergency conditions.

This standard can vary based on the manufacturer, but 14 inches is commonly accepted in training and practice to ensure consistency among firefighters who are used to working with different types of ladders in various situations.