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

When the butt of the ladder is placed too close to the side of the building, one significant consequence is that the ladder's tip can pull away from the wall. This occurs because the angle of the ladder becomes too steep, which diminishes the amount of friction and stability needed to maintain contact with the wall. An adequate angle allows for proper weight distribution along the ladder. When placed too close, the center of gravity shifts towards the base, causing the top to push away from the wall, ultimately compromising the ladder's effectiveness.

Achieving the correct angle is crucial for safe ladder placement, typically around a 75-degree angle. This ensures the ladder remains securely positioned against the structure and can support firefighters as they ascend or descend safely. Therefore, placing the butt too close results in the tip being unable to maintain contact with the wall, leading to potential slips and falls.