Final answer:
Vertical ventilation is typically the most effective method for ventilating stairways in a hotel fire, as it leverages the natural rise of hot gases through convection.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the case of a hotel fire, vertical ventilation is generally an effective tool for ventilating a stairway. This technique involves creating openings at high points of a structure, such as the roof or upper windows, to allow heat and smoke to escape upwards due to the natural tendency of hot gases to rise, known as convection. Vertical ventilation is performed by firefighters using vents or opening skylights, and it helps to clear smoke-filled stairways which are vertical channels, providing a safer exit route for occupants and easier access for firefighters. In contrast, horizontal ventilation may be less effective in stairwells as it involves clearing smoke through sideways movement, which is not as natural for heat and smoke in a vertical space. Forced ventilation, using fans to push or pull air, and natural ventilation, which relies on natural air currents, can also be used but their effectiveness will depend on the specific conditions of the fire and building.