What is the minimum height that a ladder truck must have in terms of ladder reach?

The minimum height that a ladder truck must have in terms of ladder reach is based on the needs for effective firefighting operations, especially in urban environments. A ladder reach of 115 feet is generally considered sufficient to access the upper floors of multi-story residential and commercial buildings. This height allows firefighters to reach windows and balconies for rescue operations, as well as to effectively deliver aerial master streams for fire suppression.

Moreover, firefighting manuals and standards typically recommend that ladder trucks have adequate reach to effectively combat fires and perform rescues in a variety of building types and heights. The selected height of 115 feet reflects a balance between operational effectiveness, safety, and maneuverability of the equipment. It ensures that firefighters can operate safely and efficiently in emergency situations, meeting the dynamic demands of urban firefighting.

Other height options like 85 ft, 100 ft, and 120 ft may not adequately address the requirements for high-rise structures or could be deemed excessive without proportional benefits.