What is the danger of placing the butt of a ladder too close to the side of a building while people climb it?

Placing the butt of a ladder too close to the side of a building can result in the tip of the ladder moving away from the wall as people climb it. This situation creates an unstable angle for the ladder, increasing the risk of it falling or tipping over.

When climbers ascend, their weight can shift the point of balance, leading to the ladder being improperly supported. If the butt is positioned too close to the building, the ladder's angle becomes too steep, potentially causing it to slip or slide away from the wall, especially if there is movement or shifting weight as people climb. Maintaining an appropriate distance between the butt of the ladder and the building allows the ladder to provide maximum stability and support, ensuring safe access and egress for firefighters and others using the ladder.