Aerial Ladder

• An aerial ladder is used when a building is isolated or the roof can't be reached from an adjoining building because of obstructions like fences, or differences in height.
  
  

Combination Ladder

• Combination ladders are also known as A-frame ladders. They can be used as a stepladder, a single ladder, or an extension ladder. They're usually used for interior operations like reaching light fixtures.
  
  

Drop Ladder

• A drop ladder is a vertical ladder that uses a hook to hold it in the "up" position on the second floor balcony of a fire escape. When the hook is released, the ladder is lowered or dropped to the ground.
  
  

Goose Neck Ladder

• A goose neck ladder has side rails that are curved at the top. This vertical ladder is used between the top floor balcony of a fire escape and the roof.
  
  

Pole Ladder

• Pole ladders, also known as Bangor ladders, are extension ladders with two to four sections, and stay-poles to add stability and leverage when raising a ladder. They're used to access buildings when aerial ladders aren't available or can't be used.
  
  

Single Ladder

• A single ladder has one section with a fixed length of 6 to 32 feet. Its primary advantage is that a single firefighter can quickly put it into service. Folding ladders are a variation of the single ladder and have hinged rungs that can be compactly folded.