What is one precaution fire fighters should take when extending the fly section of an extension ladder?

When extending the fly section of an extension ladder, one essential precaution is to ensure that firefighters do not wrap the halyard around their hands. Doing so can pose a significant risk; if the halyard were to slip or if the ladder were to suddenly retract, serious injury could occur to the firefighter's hand or fingers due to the sudden force.

Proper technique involves handling the halyard safely, allowing the firefighter to control the extension of the ladder without putting themselves in harm's way. By keeping their hands free and providing control through more secure methods, firefighters can extend the ladder safely and effectively.

The practice of not wrapping the halyard around the hands is standard safety protocol in firefighting and equipment handling, emphasizing the importance of maintaining control and reducing the risk of accidents during operations.