Fire Chief Brian Miller on WFD Ladder Company

Q. What makes a Ladder Company different than an Engine Company?

A: A ladder company’s role on the fire scene is diverse, so they also carry a multitude of tools to assist with accomplishing their assigned task. An engine company’s primary role is to extinguish the fire, so an engine carries hoses of various lengths and diameters to accomplish that task.

Q. What are a Ladder Company’s responsibilities?

A: Responsibilities include placing ground ladders for access, egress or rescue; conducting search and rescue operations; ventilating the building to remove smoke and heat as well as ensuring that the utilities are turned off and salvage. Salvage is the process of saving or removing property to limit damage incurred from water, smoke or heat. Many times homeowners will request that specific items be saved, if possible, and a ladder company is often assigned to complete that task.

Q. What does the Ladder Company include?

A: In addition to ground ladders, a ladder truck carries portable lights and fans for ventilation and an aerial device (a large, mechanicallyoperated extendable ladder mounted on top of the truck). It also carries battery-powered cutters and spreaders that are used to pry open vehicles involved in accidents where a victim may be trapped. These tools are often referred to as the Jaws of Life.

Q. How many firefighters are in a ladder company?

A: There is a minimum of three firefighters including a lieutenant who serves as the company officer.

Q. What do the numbers on the trucks mean?

A: Firetruck, company and station numbers are based on a countywide numbering system. The City of Columbus, being the first and largest includes numbers 1 - 49. The numbering system then circles around Columbus starting at Grandview Heights with the 50s and so on with Westerville being the 110-118s. The number on each truck corresponds to the station where it is quartered.

Q. How many Ladder Companies does Westerville have?

A: Westerville has one ladder company located at Station 111.