Forcible Entry
FORCIBLE ENTRY
What is Forcible Entry?
The act of gaining entry into a building or occupancy via a door, window, or even a wall, by use of force
When properly used, foricble entry can minimize the amount of damage to a structue and still provide quick access for firefighters
Purpose of Forcible Entry (The why)
To allow hose lines to be stretched to the seat of the fire, perform search and rescue, give firefighters and victims another means of egress and to gain access for critical EMS calls, building alarms and other emergency calls requiring forced entry
Tools of the Trade
Conventional
Halligan bar
Flat Head axe
Sledge hammer
Mental wedge
New york hook
Bolt cutters
Thru the Lock
K-Tool, R-Tool
Channel locks, vice grip
Shove knife
Power tools
Circular saw/ rotary saw
Chainsaw
Sawzall
Halligan Bar
Designed by FDNY Chief Hugh Halligan in 1948
30 inches most common
Fore, Adze, Pike (Spike, Pick) Shoulder, crotch
2 inch Adze= 15:1 MA
2-3/4 inch Adze= 11:1 MA
Fork bevel to the frame = 13.25:1 MA
Bevel to the door= 13.5:1 MA
Anatomy of Halligan Bar
What Do the Lines Mean???
Visual indicators to assist you in forcing the door
The first line is marked at 1 3/4". This indicates when you have advanced the tool to the jamb, saving you from driving through it.
In the future there will be a line at 3 1/4" to show you when the tool has cleared the jamb and curled behind the door.
Security Gates
More of a deterrent than actual security
Found all over
Usually pretty easy to force
Pay attention to where the hinges are
In-ward door
Hinges will NOT be visible or felt
Best way to determine?
Usually recessed in door frame
Out-ward door
Hinges will be visible or felt
Best way to determine
Flush with the door frame
Could be recessed into wall
Door size-up
Begins from dispatch
On-scene from back seat (or front)
Occupancy Type/ Building Construction type
Multi-family, bank, jewelry store, dispensary, etc
Door size-up
Will determine how and what tools you will need to accomplish the task
Plan A, B, C
Break down door size-up
Wood frame- Wood Door
Metal frame- Wood door
Wood frame- metal door
metal frame- metal door
Also pay attention to the building contruction
concrete, wood, brick
Keep in mind
Back seat (or front seat), walk-up, size-up (Plan A, B, C)
Try before you pry
Confirm hinges and feel for them
in/outward
Identify the weakest part of the door system
frame, door, lockset
What is your first gap? boot or adz
inward door
FF on halligan bar (driver)
Has to be comfortable with the halligan bar
Eyes on fork or adz when setting
Decides whether to go bevel to the door or frame
Must steer the fork or adz, around frame or door
Knows how deep to set the fork or adz
Clear and loud commands
*Do not call command then move too as strike is being delivered*
Know when the switch plans
FF on the flat head (motor)
Put yourself in the best position for solid, strong strikes
Get comfortable swinging axe both left handed and right
Try to keep flat head perpendicular to adz for safer strikes
Strike when told!!!!!
Ensure halligan bar stays level to ensure force is being directed in the right place
Be ready to capture progress if needed!
Multiple ways to strike with flat head
Commands
Given by the firefighter on the Halligan
HIT- A single strike delivered by the firefighter on the axe. This allows the firefighter on the Halligan to adjust the Halligan between the single hits.
DRIVE- A series of repeated hits delivered by the firefighter with the axe to force the halligan once it is set in the desired position. *Strikes should be just as powerful as when the "Hit" command is given*
STOP- Called during the "Drive" portion of forcing entry. Often called to readjust Halligan, or the Halligan has reached the desired depth.
In-ward Forcible Entry
ADZ- Feedback, gap door or fail door system
FORK- Set, STOP & prepare, force or capture progress IF NEEDED
ADZ- Wrap door frame, finish
KNOW WHEN TO SWITCH PLANS!!!
Out-ward forcible entry
Door/frame crush- Creating a purchase for the Adz or Fork
Set the adz or fork- Ensure the tool has WRAPPED the Back of the door
FORCE- If more leverage is needed for the force use a hook or another Halligan Bar or 2 person
Constantly assess for drop bars or other locking mechanisms
Once the Force is Made
Life- Search immediate area for victims
Fire- Can you see the fire location?
Layout- Gain valuable informaiton before controlling the door
Relay- Tell crew what you saw