What is the most likely consequence if the butt of a ladder is placed too close to the side of the building?

When the butt of a ladder is positioned too close to the side of a building, it can create an unstable angle for the ladder. As a result, the top of the ladder, or the tip, may struggle to maintain contact with the wall as weight is applied, particularly when a firefighter is climbing or operating from the ladder. This is due to the fact that the proper angle of a ladder—ideally around 75 degrees—ensures that forces are distributed evenly and provides optimum balance.

If the butt is too close to the wall, the ladder might not only lose its effective vertical posture, but the tip could begin to pull away from the building, increasing the risk of an unsafe situation where the ladder could slide or fall, leading to serious injuries for anyone on it. Maintaining the correct distance from the building is essential for ensuring stability and safety during use, which is why this consequence is particularly critical to understand for proper ladder operation and safety protocols as outlined in fire service training.