Which tool is recommended for breaking through the ceiling below a ventilation hole?

The pike pole is the recommended tool for breaking through the ceiling below a ventilation hole because it is specifically designed for this purpose. Its long, slender design allows for reaching high spaces, making it easier to access and pull down ceiling materials effectively. The pointed end of the pike pole can pierce through ceilings made of drywall or other types of materials commonly used in construction, enabling firefighters to create an opening for smoke and heat to escape.

Additionally, the pike pole is lightweight and maneuverable, allowing for efficient use in the confined spaces typically found in fire environments. It can also be used to pull down materials after initially piercing through, which is essential in ensuring a proper ventilation strategy is employed.

The other tools may also serve important functions in firefighting, but they lack the specific benefits of the pike pole when it comes to breaking through ceilings effectively.