What should be the first consideration when positioning a ladder?

When positioning a ladder, the angle of the ladder must be the foremost consideration because it directly impacts the ladder's stability and safety during use. A proper ladder angle is typically around 75 degrees, which ensures that the ladder is not too steep or too shallow. This angle allows for maximum stability, making it less likely to slip or fall while providing firefighters the reach needed to access elevated areas safely.

If the angle is incorrect, the risk of the ladder sliding, tipping, or inability to bear weight increases, which could lead to accidents during emergency operations. Thus, ensuring the ladder is set at the right angle is crucial for the safety of the firefighters using it, as well as for effective firefighting efforts.

Other factors, such as the weight of the ladder, the location of the fire, and the surface of the ground, are important considerations but come after establishing the correct angle. Proper positioning according to the correct angle lays the foundation for evaluating how well the ladder interacts with these other aspects of its setup on the scene.