Abstract: A ladder for firefighters having spread apart upper rails to provide clearance and a working space for them to chop an opening in the roof of a burning house to enable smoke to escape and otherwise aid in eventually extinguishing the fire. The ladder includes a pair of side rails spaced apart the normal distance as in conventional ladders, but the upper portion of each side rail includes two hinged sections, the first hinged to swing outwardly to a position at a right angle to the lower portion of its respective side rail, the second hinged to swing upwardly to a position at a right angle to the first hinged section to which the second hinged section is pivotally connected by a hinge member. Pins or other lock means are provided to hold the hinged sections in the spread apart working position of the ladder. The upper free end of each second hinged section of each side rail includes a hook to hook over the peak of the roof, the ladder lying against the pitched side of the roof.