Hook ladder

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The hook ladder (also called pompier ladder) was once a very important tool of the fire department as firemen could theoretically reach every floor of a building with it. It consists of a simple ladder of 2.5 metres and a long, flat hook on its top. A fireman denied use of stairs inside a tall structure would lean out a window with the pompier ladder and swing the hook through the window above him, latching the hook to the window stool. He would then climb up the ladder, enter the window above, and repeat the process for as many stories as necessary. This ladder was used by fire departments all over the world but it was forbidden in several countries because its very dangerous and turntable ladders and fireproof stairwell construction make it no longer necessary.