Forcible entry

Question 1

Forcible Entry definintion

Answer 1

Methods firefighters use to gain access into a structure where access is locked, blocked or non-existent. (These methods and techniques may also be used for egress from a structure).

Question 2

Incident priorities

Answer 2

a. Life Safety
b. Incident Stabilization
c. Property Conservation
i. Forcible entry can be a creative process. Take into consideration what priority you are trying to address when determining your means of entry
ii. Is there a second story window open? Can you get in from someplace other than a door or window?

Question 3

What are 4 pre-planning areas?

Answer 3

a. Access – How easily can crews and equipment reach the entryway
b. Construction – How easy can the structure be forced
c. Damage Potential – Is there a less expensive means of entry
d. Equipment Needs – Do you need a saw? Extra blades?

Question 4

Forcible entry tools 101

Answer 4

a. Personal safety is #1 priority when carrying and using tools
b. Match the tool to the task

Question 5

Forcible entry cutting tools

Answer 5

i. Axes – Pick head, Flat head
ii. Hand saws – Hack saws
iii. Power saws – Chain, Circular, Reciprocating
iv. Hydraulic Tools – Amkus Cutters
v. Bolt/Wire Cutters

Question 6

Forcible entry prying tools

Answer 6

i. Pry Bar
ii. Halligan
iii. Claw Tool
iv. Hydraulic

Question 7

Forcible entry pushing/pulling tools

Answer 7

i. K-Tool- Used to cut and pull dead bolt cylinders
ii. Pike Pole
iii. Rubbish Hook
iv. Hydraulic

Question 8

Forcible entry striking tools

Answer 8

i. Sledge
ii. Axes
iii. Hammers
iv. Battering Ram
v. Halligan

Question 9

Forcible entry size up

Answer 9

a. What incident priority are we achieving?
b. How does the opening function?
c. How and what is the opening’s construction?
d. What is the opening’s locking mechanism?
e. How easily can the property be re-secured?

Question 10

Doors function

Answer 10

i. Doors function in one of four ways
1. Swinging
2. Sliding
3. Revolving
4. Overhead

Question 11

Types of wooden doors

Answer 11

i. Panel
ii. Slab
iii. Ledge

Question 12

Types of Metal doors

Answer 12

i. Hollow Metal
ii. Metal Covered
iii. Tubular

Question 13

Types of overhead doors

Answer 13

i. Sectional (Folding)
ii. Rolling Steel
iii. Steel
iv. Slab

Question 14

How to get into overhead doors

Answer 14

v. West Coast Cut
1. Least amount of time
2. Generates larger opening for ingress and egress
3. Once completed the opening cannot be closed
vi. Seattle Fire Roll-up Door cut

Question 15

Sliding doors info

Answer 15

i. Typically difficult to force. Usually must be damaged
ii. Burglar bars in the track
iii. Heavy glass panels for exterior doors
1. Double/Triple paned
2. Expensive to replace the corner of the glass

Question 16

Common door lock types

Answer 16

i. Many different types of door locks
ii. Many different lock reinforcements
iii. Pre-plan your area
iv. You can identify some reinforcements by exterior of the door
v. Mortise lock
vi. Bored or Cylinder lock
1. K-Tool
vii. Rim-Lock—typically the hardest lock to force. May be opened with the use of a K-Tool
viii. Pad Locks –Most easily forced

Question 17

Forcible entry challenges

Answer 17

a. Panic Bars
b. Maverick Bars
c. Security Bars
d. Improvised security measures

Question 18

Fire department keyed lock boxes

Answer 18

a. Fire Department Use

b. Company officer has keys to open box

Question 19

Other door considerations

Answer 19

a. Front doors usually easier to force than rear doors (commercial structures)
b. Exterior doors on public buildings usually open outward
c. Can you break glass next to /on the door and unlock?
d. Can you use the circular saw and cut hinges/ dead bolt?
e. Can you use the circular saw and cut out the lock?

Question 20

Revolving doors

Answer 20

a. Panic Proof – Cable holds doors apart. Press in opposite direction to collapse
b. Drop Arm – Solid arm secured by lock pawl
c. Metal Braced—Hook and eye assembly
d. Pre-plan!!!!!!!!

Question 21

Forcing a swinging door considerations

Answer 21

b. Construction of door
i. Wood or Metal
ii. Location of the hinges
1. Open pin
2. Locking pin
c. Construction of door jamb
i. Rabbeted
ii. Stopped
d. Locking Mechanism
i. Door reinforcements
e. Forcing Doors
f. Try before you pry!!

Question 22

If the door is locked…

Answer 22

i. Examine Construction
ii. Determine method of operation
iii. Examine lock
iv. Force? Or find other entry point
v. Use easiest, least damaging method

Question 23

Window considerations

Answer 23

a. Usually difficult to force without breaking glass
b. Smaller opening
c. Broken glass presents fire ground hazard
d. Newer, energy efficient glass could cost home owner large amount of money to replace

Question 24

Tempered vs plate glass windows

Answer 24

i. Tempered
1. More expensive
2. Very difficult to break
3. Breaks into tiny pieces
ii. Plate Glass
1. Cheaper
2. Breaks into large shards
3. Fireground hazard after broken

Question 25

High security windows

Answer 25

i. Lexan Windows
1. 250 times stronger than safety glass
2. 30 times stronger than acrylic
3. Almost impossible to break
a. Power saw
b. CO2 extinguisher and axe
4. Wire mesh
5. Plexiglas

Question 26

Breaking glass

Answer 26

i. Stand to windward side
ii. Use a tool
iii. Strike at top of pane
iv. Keep hands above the point of impact
v. Wear protective clothing
vi. Take special precautions when breaking glass above the ground floor
1. Wind may cause heavy shards of glass to travel great distances

Question 27

Security bars on windows

Answer 27

i. What is the incident priority?
ii. Can we cut it with saws?
iii. Can we spread it with the Amkus?
iv. Can we pull it directly from the wall in older buildings?
v. Similar to wrought iron security doors

Question 28

Breaching walls

Answer 28

a. Used as last resort for entry and may need to be used for emergency egress
i. Non-masonry
1. Easy to punch through drywall between studs
2. Generally interior room to interior room
ii. Masonry
1. Between grouted cells can break through wall with striking tool
2. Generally interior to exterior of building
3. Can sometimes see grouted cell with TIC