All ladders which are portable and carried on an apparatus are identified as:

Portable ladders that are carried on fire apparatus are referred to as ground ladders. This designation encompasses various types of ladders that can be quickly deployed by firefighters to access elevated areas during emergency situations. Ground ladders are essential tools for both rescue operations and accessing rooftops or upper levels of buildings.

This classification does not apply to extension ladders, which are a specific type of ground ladder that can be extended to reach greater heights. Attic ladders and folding ladders represent different ladder categories and are generally used in non-emergency scenarios, thus differentiating them from the primary tools utilized by firefighters in the field. Ground ladders are specifically governed by safety and operational standards that ensure their effectiveness and reliability in emergency response situations, making this classification vital for understanding and properly utilizing fire service equipment.