So basically it boils down to it being a tradition? Yes they are not electrically conductive but neither are fiberglass ladders which are a lot lighter weight. There are many areas that have a significant number of electrical wires overhead yet they don't use wooden ladders either so it can't be that much of a concern.Wooden Ladders | SF Fire Website
sf-fire.org
My understanding is as they're heavier, they require more people to safely raise which the union uses to ensure proper levels of staffing.
Once again, the unions are allowed to dictate policies in this case it actually probably makes it less safe for the firefighters.
I don't follow, ensuring that a ladder company has let's say five members instead of three, sounds more safe to me. It obviously works for them which is what matters.
If the ladder is heavier the risk of getting hurt while erecting it is higher no matter how many people you have. We all know that no matter what the SOPs say they're going to be times when fewer members are going to have to erect a ladder during an emergency. Especially at these times the risk of injury goes up!
That's exactly why I didn't ever bring up the union issue in my original post. On top of that I don't really think that have anything to do with the reason they use wood ladders, they just like them plain and simple. It is strange however that if they are so good why many other departments don't use them except in California.
www.popularmechanics.com
alacoladder.com
Gr8 info as always brotherFire Ladders - Alaco Ladder
Fire Ladders
Alaco’s Tapered Truss Ground Ladders or Ground Fire Ladders originate from an innovative design by Frederick Seagrave, who built wood orchard ladders in Columbus, Ohio before switching to fire ladders in 1881. His ultimate goal was to design and fabricate ladders that were:
Seagrave’s design was brilliant – even by today’s standards. Over the decades it was developed further by Los Angeles Ladder Company, and has been continually refined by Alaco.
- Very light for easy and fast handling
- Strong and tough to resist abuse
- Convenient to operate safely
- Stiff, with as little bounce as possible for quick, sure climbing
Top Quality Construction
Constructed of Douglas Fir, Oak and Hickory woods with precision steel fasteners and hardware, Alaco Ground Fire Ladders are widely used by major Fire Departments and Agencies throughout the Western U.S. and beyond.
Benefits of Wood
- Wood ladders are lightweight – comparable to similar aluminum ground ladders
- Wood does not conduct electricity – helps prevent electrical injuries and loss of life
- Wood does not conduct heat – insulating properties of Douglas Fir are excellent
- Wood stays strong in the fire – if charred, it retains its original strength
- Wood provides more resistance to flexing and bouncing when climbed quickly
Shortly after Johnny Carson retired from The Tonight Show, his successor Jay Leno was delivering the opening monologue from the NBC Studios on West Alameda Avenue in Burbank. Near the end he cut to a live remote shot with Carson at his home on the PCH 30 odd miles away in Malibu. After some initial banter, Leno announced that Johnny had sent him a gag for the show. He then delivered the one-liner. The audience, clued to the set up, sat in silence. Leno feigned indignation with the lame material he'd been given.
www.firehouse.com
