The Discovery Channel's "Dirty Jobs"[0] show made a segment involving the SFFD's ladder construction/maintenance crew. In it, they explained that wooden ladders are cheaper to maintain than aluminum ones and I think also discount fiberglass ladders as well.
It's worth a watch if one is interested in this topic.
It's worth a watch if one is interested in this topic.
0 - http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/dirty-jobs/about-this-show...