1. Forcible Entry (Fire Fighter I)
CHAPTER 12
Forcible Entry
(Fire Fighter I) 1

2. Fire Fighter I Objectives
Describe the situations and circumstances that require forcible entry into a structure.
List the general safety rules to follow when using forcible entry tools.
List the general carrying tips when using forcible entry tools.
List the general maintenance tips when using forcible entry tools. 2

3. Fire Fighter I Objectives
List the types of tools used in forcible entry.
List the striking tools used in forcible entry.
Describe the tasks that striking tools are used for in forcible entry.
List the prying and spreading hand tools used in forcible entry. 3

4. Fire Fighter I Objectives
Describe the tasks that prying and spreading hand tools are used for in forcible entry.
List the cutting tools used in forcible entry.
Describe the tasks that cutting tools are used for in forcible entry.
List the lock and specialty tools used in forcible entry. 4

5. Fire Fighter I Objectives
Describe the tasks that lock and specialty tools are used for in forcible entry.
Describe the basic components of a door.
Explain the differences between a solid-core and a hollow-core door.
Describe the basic classifications of doors. 5

6. Fire Fighter I Objectives
Explain how the door classification affects forcible entry operations.
Describe the basic configurations of window construction.
Describe the common styles of window frames.
Explain how the style of window frame affects forcible entry operations. 6

7. Fire Fighter I Objectives
Describe the major components of a door lock.
Describe the major components of a padlock.
Describe the four major types of locks.
Explain how the type of lock affects forcible entry operations. 7

8. Fire Fighter I Objectives
Describe the tools used to force entry through locks.
Describe how to force entry through security gates and windows.
Explain the differences between load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls.
Describe the materials used in exterior and interior walls. 8

9. Fire Fighter I Objectives
List the basic steps and considerations in forcible entry operations.
Describe how forcible entry operations affect salvage operations. 9

10. Introduction Forcible entry
Method to gain access when normal means of entry cannot be used
Requires strength, knowledge, proper techniques, and skill
Use amount of force appropriate to situation. 10

11. Introduction Arrange to secure the opening before leaving scene.
Consider type of construction, entry points, securing devices, and best tools and equipment for the situation.
Keep up with how new styles of windows, doors, locks, and security devices operate. 11

12. Forcible Entry Situations
Required at emergency incidents where time is a critical factor
Company officer selects:
Point of entry
Method to be used
“Try before you pry!” 12

13. Forcible Entry Tools Fire fighters must know:
Which tools are available
Uses and limitations of each tool
How to select the right tool
How to operate each tool
How to carry each tool
How to inspect and maintain each tool 13

14. General Tool Safety
Always wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
Use the right tool for the job.
Keep tools clean and serviced.
Take broken tools out of service for repair.
Keep tools in proper area or container. 14

15. General Carrying Tips Request assistance with heavy tools.
Use your legs to lift heavy tools.
Keep sharp edges away from your body.
Carry long tools pointing down.
Be aware of wires. 15

16. General Maintenance Tips
All tools should be in a ready state.
Tools must be in working order, in their storage place, and ready for use.
Tools require regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure readiness. 16

17. Types of Forcible Entry Tools
Striking tools
Prying/spreading hand tools
Cutting tools
Lock tools 17

18. Striking Tools
Used to generate an impact force directly on an object or another tool
Head usually made of hardened steel 18

19. Striking Tools Flat-head axe One side is a cutting blade.
Other side is a flat striking surface.
Fire fighters often use flat side to strike a Halligan tool and drive a wedge into an opening. 19

20. Striking Tools Battering ram Used to forced doors and breach walls
Usually made of hardened steel and has handles
Two to four people needed to use 20

21. Striking Tools Sledgehammer Come in various weights and sizes
Head can weigh from 2 to 20 lbs.
Handle may be short or long.
Can be used alone or with other striking tools 21

22. Prying/Spreading Hand Tools
Halligan tool
Widely used
Commonly used to perform forcible entry
Incorporates three tools: the adz, pick, and claw 22

23. Prying/Spreading Hand Tools
Pry bar
Made from hardened steel
Commonly used to force doors and windows, remove nails, or separate building materials
Various shapes allow fire fighters to exert different amounts of leverage. 23

24. Prying/Spreading Hand Tools
Pry axe
A multipurpose tool
Used to cut and force open doors and windows
Includes adz, pick, and claw
Consists of body and handle
Courtesy of Paratech Inc. 24

25. Prying/Spreading Hand Tools
Hydraulic tools
Includes:
Spreaders
Cutters
Rams
Require hydraulic pressure 25

26. Prying/Spreading Hand Tools
Rabbet tool
Small hydraulic spreader operated by a hand- powered pump
As spreader opens, it applies a powerful force that opens doors. 26

27. Cutting Tools
Primarily used for cutting doors, roofs, walls, and floors
Hand-operated and power cutting tools 27

28. Cutting Tools Axe Many different types
Cutting edge used to break into plaster and wood walls, roofs, and doors
Types include flat- head, pick-head, and multipurpose axes 28

29. Cutting Tools Bolt cutters
Used to cut components, such as bolts, padlocks, chains, and chain-link fences
Available in several different sizes
The longer the handle, the greater the cutting force. 29

30. Cutting Tools Circular saw Gasoline powered
Light, powerful, and easy to use
Blades can be changed quickly.
Carbide-tipped blades
Metal-cutting blades
Masonry-cutting blades 30

31. Lock and Specialty Tools
Used to disassemble the locking mechanism on a door
Cause minimal damage to the door and the door frame
Experienced user can usually gain entry in less than a minute. 31

32. Lock and Specialty Tools
K tool
A tool
J tool
Shove knife
Duck-billed lock breakers
Locking pliers and chain
Bam-bam tool 32

33. Doors Basic construction: Door Jamb Hardware Locking mechanism 33
© AbleStock 33

34. Wood Slab Doors Solid core Hollow core
Solid wood core blocks covered by a face panel
Hollow core
Lightweight, honeycomb interior 34

35. Wood Ledge Doors Panel Doors Wood doors with horizontal bracing
Solid wood doors made from solid planks to form a rigid frame with solid wood panels set into the frame 35

36. Metal Hollow-core metal doors Solid-core metal doors
Have a metal framework interior so they are lightweight
Solid-core metal doors
Have a foam or wood interior to reduce weight without affecting strength 36

37. Glass
Generally steel frame with tempered glass or tempered glass only with no frame
Easy to force
Produce a large amount of broken glass 37

38. Types of Doors Inward-opening Outward-opening Sliding doors
Revolving doors
Overhead doors 38

39. Types of Doors Hinges indicate if door is inward- or outward-opening.
Hinges are visible.
Inward
Hinges are not visible. 39

40. Door Frames Two styles wood-framed doors
Stopped door frames
Rabbeted door frames
Metal-framed doors are more difficult to force open. 40

41. Inward-Opening Doors Design Made of wood, steel, or glass
Have an exterior frame with a stop or rabbet
Locking mechanisms range from standard door knob locks to deadbolt locks or sliding latches. 41

42. Inward-Opening Doors Forcing entry
Determine what type of frame the door has.
Use a prying tool near the locking mechanism to pry the stop away from the frame.
Use a striking tool to force the prying tool further into the jamb. 42

43. Outward-Opening Doors
Design
Used in commercial occupancies and for most exits
Designed for quick exit
Made of wood, metal, or glass
Usually have exposed hinges 43

44. Outward-Opening Doors
Forcing entry
First check to see whether hinges can be disassembled or hinge pins removed.
If not, place adz end of prying tool into the door frame.
Use striking tool to drive adz end into jamb.
Leverage the tool to force the door outward away from the jamb. 44

45. Sliding Doors Design Made of tempered glass in a wood or metal frame
Have two sections and a double track
A weak latch on the frame of the door secures the movable side.
Courtesy of Horton Automatics 45

46. Sliding Doors Forcing entry
Check whether a security rod is in the track.
If not present, use a pry bar to lever door away from locking mechanism.
If necessary, break the glass. 46

47. Revolving Doors Design Made of four glass panels with metal frames
Designed to collapse outward when certain pressure is applied
Usually adjacent to outward-opening doors 47

48. Revolving Doors Forcing entry Should be avoided whenever possible
Opening will not be large enough to allow many people to exit.
Can be done by attacking the locking mechanism directly or by breaking the glass. 48

49. Overhead Doors Design Can roll up or tilt Made of wood or metal
May be hollow core or solid core
Secured with cylinder locks, padlocks, or automatic openers
© Dave White/iStockphoto.com
© Photodisc/Creatas 49

50. Overhead Doors Forcing entry
Break out a panel or window and manually operate lock from within.
Always securely prop door open to prevent door closing.
Use emergency release cord for safety
If a security roll-up door, cut triangle-shape entry. 50

51. Windows Usually easier to force than doors
Frames made of wood, metal, and vinyl
Glass is the easiest way to force a window but also the most dangerous. 51

52. Windows Safety Wear PPE with face and eye protection.
Clear area of personnel.
Coordinate with fire attack to prevent flare-ups and backdrafts.
Completely clear frame of glass shards. 52

53. Glass Construction Regular glass Double/triple-pane glass Plate glass
Laminated glass
Tempered glass 53

54. Regular or Annealed Glass
Commonly used because it is inexpensive
Larger pieces called plate glass
Easily broken with a pike pole
Watch out for shards. 54

55. Double- and Triple-Pane Glass
Used in many homes because it improves home insulation
Uses two panes with an air pocket between them
Two panes need to be broken separately.
Watch out for shards. 55

56. Plate Glass
Commercial plate glass is stronger, thicker glass used in large window openings.
Can easily be broken with a Halligan tool or pike pole
Watch out for large shards. 56

57. Laminated Glass Also known as safety glass
Molded sheet of plastic between two sheets of glass
Commonly used in vehicle windshields 57

58. Tempered Glass Specially heat-treated
Four times stronger than regular glass
Common in side and rear vehicle windows and commercial or sliding doors
Breaks into small pellets without sharp edges 58

59. Wired Glass Tempered glass with wire reinforcement
Often used in fire-rated doors
Difficult to break or force 59

60. Double-Hung Windows Design Forcing entry Two sashes move up and down
Open or break locking mechanism 60

61. Single-Hung Windows Design Forcing entry Only lower sash moves
Use same technique as double-hung window. 61

62. Jalousie Windows Adjustable, overlapping sections of tempered glass
Operated by hand crank
Difficult to force
Avoid if possible. 62

63. Awning Windows Like jalousie, but fewer panels
Break lower panel and operate crank. 63

64. Horizontal-Sliding Windows
Similar to sliding doors
Force in the same manner as sliding doors (use pry bar to break latch).
Attempt to locate another window if a security rod is present. 64

65. Casement Windows Steel- or wood-frame Crank open Should be avoided
To force, break glass, unlock, and open manually. 65

66. Projected Windows <Insert Fig 12-21>
Can project inward or outward
Avoid forcing entry.
To force entry, break a pane, unlock, and open the window manually.
<Insert Fig 12-21> 66

67. Parts of a Door Lock
Latch
Operator lever
Deadbolt 67

68. Parts of a Padlock Shackle Unlocking mechanism Lock body 68
Courtesy of IR Safety and Security - Americas 68

69. Safety Keep cutting tools sharp. Use proper PPE.
Have others stand away. 69

70. Cylindrical Locks Design Forcing entry
Locks and handles are set into predrilled holes
Forcing entry
Place a pry bar near locking mechanism and lever it. 70

71. Padlocks Most common locks on the market today
Regular- and heavy-duty are available.
Come with various unlocking devices 71

72. Padlocks Hockey puck lock Cannot be forced through conventional means
Locks must be twisted from their mounting tabs
Courtesy of Master Lock Company LLC 72

73. Padlocks Forcing entry Cut the shackle or hasp.
Breaking the shackle is the best method.
If padlock is made of case-hardened steel, many conventional methods will be ineffective. 73

74. Common Tools Used to Force Entry
Bolt cutters
Duck-billed lock breakers
Bam-bam tools
Locking pliers and chain 74

75. Mortise Locks Latch will lock door.
Bolt can be used for added security.
Difficult to force
Use through-the-lock technique.
Courtesy of IR Safety and Security - Americas 75

76. Rim Locks and Deadbolts
Used as secondary locks
Have a bolt that extends at least 1" into the door frame
Difficult to force
Use through-the-lock method.
Courtesy of IR Safety and Security - Americas 76

77. Security Gates and Windows
Usually equipped with a lock or a locking mechanism
Designed to keep criminals out but can make it difficult for fire fighters to gain access
Remove the lock or cut the gate and bars. 77

78. Breaching Walls and Floors
Breach only as a last resort.
First consider whether wall is load-bearing.
Could cause collapse if breached
Non-weight-bearing walls can be removed safely. 78

79. Exterior Walls Can be constructed of one or more materials
Breaking through can be very difficult.
Courtesy of DOE/NREL, Credit - Ed Hancock 79

80. Interior Walls
Usually constructed of wood or metal studs covered by plaster, gypsum, or sheetrock
Breaching can be dangerous. 80

81. Interior Walls
Locate a stud away from electrical outlets and switches.
Make a small hole to check for obstructions.
If area is clear, expand to reveal studs. 81

82. Floors Most floors are wood or poured concrete.
Both can be difficult to breach.
This is truly a last resort.
Use a rotary saw with appropriate blade. 82

83. Vehicle Entry Entry can be gained by breaking a side window.
Should be far away from trapped child or pet
Use a spring-loaded center punch or other sharp object. 83

84. Systematic Forcible Entry
Before taking action
Double check address.
Look for a lockbox.
Evaluate the threat level.
Consider entry with least amount of damage.
Work in a coordinated fashion with team members. 84

85. Forcible Entry and Salvage
Try to keep damage to a minimum.
Secure structure before leaving.
Ensure the building owner is called to secure the building. 85

86. Summary Forcible entry is required where time is of the essence.
“Try before you pry.”
Four types of forcible entry tools are used:
Striking tools
Prying or spreading tools
Cutting tools
Lock and specialty tools 86

87. Summary
Four major components to a door: door, jamb, hardware, and locking mechanism.
Doors are constructed of wood, metal, or glass.
Classification of doors include: inward, outward, sliding, revolving, and overhead. 87

88. Summary
Window construction can be: glazed, regular or annealed, double-pane, plate, laminated, or tempered.
Window frame designs include: double-hung, single-hung, jalousie, awning, horizontal- sliding, casement, and projected. 88

89. Summary Locks range from push-button to computer- operated.
The three major parts of a lock are the latch, operator level, and deadbolt.
All padlocks have shackles, an unlocking mechanism, and a lock body. 89

90. Summary
The four categories of locks are cylindrical, padlocks, mortise, and rim.
Consider if a wall is load-bearing before breaching. 90

91. Summary Steps in systematic forcible entry: Think. Look for lockbox.
Evaluate situation.
Enter with least amount of damage.
Secure property during salvage. 91