FIREHOUSE October 16, 2002
“Forcible entry has become a serious problem for the fire service all over the country. In some high crime areas we see tougher and tougher entry situations with locking systems that try to stay one step ahead of the criminal element. Unfortunately we in the fire service are often behind on the techniques and technology that is necessary for us to do our job. Even in “safe” areas with low crime rates we see change. Every time a local TV station runs a special on crime there will be an increase in security.
In private dwellings we used to feel that forcible entry was not a problem.
Today in a new house with a 2″-3″ solid oak door equipped with a deadbolt lock with a 2″ throw, you had better be up on your conventional forcible entry techniques. With a wood frame a hydraulic forcible entry tool (Rabbit, etc.) will not be effective because it will push the stop off before it forces the door open.”
“Maintain the integrity of the door. This is vitally important especially when dealing with multiple dwellings or when firefighter crews are above our position. Haphazardly crashing a door that we do not have control of can place firefighters and civilians above our position in mortal danger. A short rope or tool to pull a door closed after forcing is good to use to control the flow of fire, heat, and smoke from the doorway. This simple lapse has cost firefighters their lives. At times, such as in a hi-rise fire, a company may have to delay the opening of a door for quite some time to allow the evacuation of the stairway above.”
Mitch: Something that I hadn’t previously understood but makes sense is that media coverage of crime often creates a panic that results in extra difficulties faced by firefighters. This ripple effect can result in lost lives and damaged property. Out of panic many people create increasingly formidable security and locking systems on businesses and private dwellings, the critical forcible entry tasks are becoming increasingly challenging for firefighters facing hardened structures more frequently than ever before. Perceived threats from crime spurred on by media sensationalism in the name of ratings aside, the result is the same; to an increasing degree forcible entry is becoming a more common, widespread, and diverse challenge than ever before. Powerful solutions to these tasks such as hand operated hydraulic tools will work on strong metal doors but they’re far from the ideal solution; they’re heavy, slow, and are ineffective on wood frames. Tools that offer great flexibility/versatility in use and application, while still being uniquely suited to the are in which they are to be employed is crucial.
