For every 15 feet of height, how much additional ladder length is required?

When determining the additional ladder length required for every 15 feet of height, it is important to understand the relationship between ladder angles and reach. A standard guideline in firefighting indicates that for every 15 feet of vertical rise, an additional foot of ladder length is typically required to maintain an effective angle for stability and safety during use.

This additional length ensures that the base of the ladder is placed at a safe distance from the structure, allowing for proper footing and minimizing the chance of the ladder tipping over. The angle should ideally be around 75 degrees from the ground for the best performance and safety. Therefore, for a height of 15 feet, adding 1 foot of extra ladder length provides the necessary reach while adhering to safety protocols for ladder operations.