A heavy aerial apparatus equipped with a telescopic, box-beam boom that terminates in a sturdy work platform or bucket. Unlike a standard aerial ladder, the boom provides a rigid, stable base for multiple firefighters to operate master streams or perform high-angle rescues. The bucket typically includes piped-in breathing air, heavy-duty nozzles, and control consoles.
Heard on the job
Set up the tower ladder on the A-B corner so we can sweep the roof with the master stream.
Also heard as
- platform
- aerial tower
Do not mix it up with
- Aerial ladder: An aerial ladder is an open, climbable truss structure, whereas a tower ladder uses a solid boom with a bucket at the end.