2 roof ladder ventilation tactic

By Mark van der Feyst

Homes built with lightweight construction materials and methods are having an impact on vertical ventilation operations within the fire service. Many fire departments are removing themselves from the roof completely in favor of mechanical means. 

Normally we use just one ladder for roof operations, but we can always adapt and use two roof ladders. Place these two ladders can be placed about 4 feet apart with one firefighter on each. Each firefighter cuts the half of the vent hole that is closest to him.

This is an adaptation from the Milwaukee Fire Department takes practice, but it will help with lightweight construction roofs.