When ventilating a structure, where should a ladder be placed when breaking a window?

When ventilating a structure and breaking a window, placing the ladder on the upwind side of the window is crucial for safety and effectiveness. This position helps to manage smoke and heat releases more effectively. By being on the upwind side, firefighters can reduce the risk of being affected by harmful smoke and toxic gases that can escape through the window.

Additionally, positioning the ladder this way allows firefighters to have a clear line of sight when assessing the fire's condition inside the structure and provides an easier escape route if necessary. It's also beneficial in preventing backdraft scenarios, where a sudden influx of air into a fire can create dangerous conditions.

Placing the ladder above or below the windowsill could potentially interfere with the firefighter's operations and does not offer the same level of safety and visibility as being on the upwind side. Being on the downside side of the window might also expose firefighters to more direct smoke and heat, which can be hazardous. Therefore, the best practice during ventilation is indeed to position the ladder on the upwind side of the window.