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Video: Removing Glass Block Windows

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Removing glass-block windows can be tricky and/or time-consuming if you are unaware of the methods to defeat them.  In this video, we explain the quickest and most-efficient methods of defeating glass-block windows.

Of course any firefighter can simply start smashing blocks and get the window opened.  The point of this video is to use a systematic approach to conduct this task with the least amount of work.  After all, very few buildings have only ONE of these windows.  If there is one, typically there are more.

In larger windows, members must be aware of large amounts of falling block that can injure a firefighter.  Always be aware of what will or can fall, and remember that essentially you are causing a small “block-wall collapse” as you take these windows.

———–

Note:

I would like to thank Commissioner Hoff of the Chicago Fire Department for this tip.  In one of the first courses of my career, then Battalion Chief Hoff took time to show a small-town, 17-year old volunteer this method, and it has stuck with me. It is a prime lesson of “working smarter, not harder” to get the job done.

Respectfully,
Nate DeMarse
Co-Owner, Brotherhood Instructors, LLC.

Posted by on January 31, 2011 • Filed under: Attack Line, Engine Company Ops, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, Forcible Entry, Ladder Company Ops, RIT or FAST Operations, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Ventilation, videos • Tagged:

A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

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Things are not always what they seem, this door is a good example of that. This door is on a private dwelling on the side of the house. The door is hollow core metal and the frame is wood. What looks like a fairly easy door to take with conventional forcible entry techniques may cause some unexpected delays during forcible entry operations.

The interior view reveals that the door has been covered over with plywood and then drywall. Covering doors in private dwellings is nothing new but what makes this one different is the fact that they kept the window of the door present and are using it as an interior window. This door would still be very “doable” with conventional forcible entry techniques, but it may be tougher than you may think when you go to force it. This is a great door to show the firefighters that always say “just smash out the glass and unlock the door”.

This door is a great example of the fact that you can never take anything for granted, you must always be prepared to force the toughest door of your career every time you get off the rig at a fire because the day you are not fully prepared is the day that you will encounter a door that will test your skill, knowledge, experience, and preparation…….. and all of those things come back to your level of training!!

Posted by on January 30, 2011 • Filed under: Attack Line, Building Alteration-Renovation, Engine Company Ops, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, Forcible Entry, Ladder Company Ops, RIT or FAST Operations, Search, Stretching, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Ventilation • Tagged:

The Hinge Side – By: Chris Collier

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I’ve heard many firefighters while discussing a door with multiple locks say, “I’ll just go for the hinge side.”  If this is not something you have ever done before you are in for a real surprise when you try it.

I was going to write about: when and why to force the hinge side, sizing up the hinge side, and door control when forcing the hinge side but I think those items are better left for the discussion portion of this drill.  This drill will cover the technique of pulling the hinges using only the irons and then we’ll discuss the rest to make it more interactive and interesting.

Once you have decided that you are going to force the hinge side of the door you will typically have three hinges to pull.  Start with the top hinge.  This a good idea because the smoke will be pushing from the top of the door and taking the top hinge will allow you to take the middle and lower hinge below the smoke and heat.  Also, anyone who has done any construction or mechanical work will tell you that working with your hands above chest level for any period of time gets tiring very quickly.  Taking the top hinge first allows you to work in this difficult position at the beginning of the operation while you are still fresh.  Place the fork of the halligan under the bottom of the top hinge with the bevel side towards the door.

Next, the striking firefighter will hit the halligan with the axe as directed by the halligan firefighter.  The objective of hitting the halligan is to loosen up the hinge and hopefully break the screws holding the hinge into the door and the jam.  Be sure to “cross your tools” while striking the halligan.  The striking surface of the axe should come in contact with the halligan perpendicular to the adz, this increases surface area and lessens the likelihood of missing.  As you can see from picture 1 this is not a normal striking position that we are used to with the irons which makes accuracy even more important to avoid injury.  After loosening or breaking the screws by striking the halligan pry up on the halligan to pull the hinge from between the door and the jam.

Make no mistake about it, this is not easy especially on the top hinge.  Usually the hinge will pull about half way out using the halligan in this manner.  Next flip the halligan over and place the fork under the bottom of the hinge with the concave side toward the door this time to increase leverage and pry up to pull the hinge completely out.  One down, two to go!

Next, attack the middle hinge.  If you put the fork of the halligan over the top of the middle hinge the adz will be roughly where the top hinge was, which is too high to strike down on.  If you place the fork of the halligan under the bottom of the middle hinge the adz end will be roughly where the bottom hinge is which leaves only about a foot between the adz and the ground.  This is not enough space to strike the adz with the required force to loosen or break the screws holding the hinge in place.  For the middle hinge the adz is placed on top of the top hinge and then struck with the axe by the striking firefighter at the direction of the halligan firefighter.

Once the hinge is loosened up then place the fork of the halligan over the hinge either from the bottom or the top with the bevel towards the door and pry up.  As with the top hinge this will usually pull the hinge about half way out.  Then you can flip the halligan over and place the concave side against the door to increase leverage and pry the hinge completely out.  Two down, one to go!

The bottom hinge (I think) is the easiest which is part of the reason it is saved until last.  Place the fork of the halligan over the top of the bottom hinge with the bevel side against the door.  The striking firefighter then hits the halligan with the axe at the direction of the halligan firefighter just as was done for the other hinges.  This is the most natural striking position so it is best saved until last when you are fatigued from striking and prying the other two hinges.  After the screws are loosened or broken pry down on the halligan to pull the hinge.

Just as with the top and middle hinge once the hinge is pulled half way out flip the halligan over concave side towards the door and pull the hinge completely out.  Now that all three hinges are pulled the job is not done!

Now you have to force the hinge side of the door just as you would the lock side of an outward opening door.  Normaly you would begin by setting your halligan six inches above or below the lock but in this case there is no lock so go six inches above or below where the middle hinge was.  Place the adz of the halligan against the crack between the door and the jam.  Then the striking firefighter hits the halligan in at the direction of the halligan firefighter until it hits the door stop.  You will know you hit the stop when the halligan stops moving and you should be able to hear the halligan deaden out when it hits the stop.  Next the halligan firefighter pries up and down with the halligan to crush the door a little bit.  Then the halligan firefighter pulls back (away from the door) on the halligan so the adz clears the door stop and the striking firefighter drives the halligan the rest of the way in.  Finally, pry out away from the door with the halligan to pry the door out of the frame.

Quite a few steps and a LOT of effort are required to perform this operation.  It is a valuable and basic tactic that can be done with hand tools and a little determination.  There are certainly other tools usually available on the fire ground that can make this operation faster and easier.  Knowing how to get the job done with basic tools and basic skills can never be over emphasized and will never fail you.

If you are prepared, you will be confident, and will do the job.

Posted by on January 27, 2011 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, Forcible Entry, Ladder Company Ops, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged:

Video: Forcible Entry: Through the Lock Failure

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Through the lock forcible entry tactics are a quick and professional method of forcing entry when employed by properly trained and equipped firefighters.  However, circumstances beyond our control can sometimes cause through the lock techniques to fail.  How we react to and overcome these failures is what separates the amateurs from the professionals.  Please feel free to post your comments and questions.

“If you are prepared, you will be confident, and will do the job.” - Unknown

Like what you see?  Come visit us at our “Beyond the Academy: Forcible Entry Operations” course in Lockport, Illinois on March 11, 2011.  Click here for registration information: https://brotherhoodinstructors.dc1.netfirms.com/brotherhoodinstructors.com/ClassFlyers/2011-03-13%20-%20Lockport,%20IL%20-%20Forcible%20Entry%20and%20Building%20Construction%20Courses.pdf

Posted by on January 25, 2011 • Filed under: Brotherhood Topics, Email Drill Questions, Engine Company Ops, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, Forcible Entry, Ladder Company Ops, special-operations, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized, videos • Tagged:

Flat-Roof Operations: Safely Traversing the Roof

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This is a series of photos resembles what you may see upon arrival.

Take a look at the last shot of the 4-side (d-side) at the roof level. The owners of this building sealed up the shaft at the roof what appears to be nothing more than a sheet of plywood. The weight of a fully geared firefighter would almost certainly fall through this if they stepped on this “feature of the building”.

Take a few seconds to give the building a look from the ground before heading to the roof. This dangerous feature would be invisible if looking at it on the roof. It will look like a substantial roof from front to rear, and you will have no way of knowing about the presence of the shaft on the 4-side.

One other tell-tale sign (not present in this photo) deals with the parapet wall. If a parapet wall runs front to rear, and there is a 10-15 foot opening in that parapet wall, this may be a sealed up shaft area.

Stay away from these areas while traversing the roof! They are deadly.

Stay safe!

Posted by on January 21, 2011 • Filed under: Building Alteration-Renovation, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, Ladder Company Ops, Ladders, RIT or FAST Operations, Roof Ops, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Ventilation • Tagged:

Video: Extending The 7-9-8 Ventilation Cut

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This video demonstrates one method to expand upon the origional ventilation opening created using the 7-9-8 method.  Expanding the initial ventilation opening is better than creating a second.  Please feel free to reply with your comments or questions.

Posted by on January 21, 2011 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, fires, Ladder Company Ops, Ladders, Roof Ops, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged:

Control the Door – By: Nate DeMarse

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On December 14th, 2010 we had a DOOR CONTROL post in this blog.  We discussed methods of controlling the door.  This post discusses why door control is important, as shown at a specific fire.  Other tips are also provided.

As the forcible entry and nozzle teams ascend to the second floor, they are met with a heavy smoke condition.  As they near this apartment, heavy smoke and fire are pushing from the cracks in the door shown above.  The paint is peeling, the top one third of the door glowing and distorted.  Time to go to work!

Destroying the integrity of this door during a forcible entry operation will certainly spell disaster for anyone (civilian or firefighter) operating or caught above the fire floor.  Many uninformed firefighters will opt to simply “bash” the door out of the frame (usually from the hinged side) with a sledge hammer/maul.  This technique is dangerous and unprofessional, and in many cases will not work!

If you are a firefighter that likes to “bash” the door in like a SWAT team, ask yourself these questions:

- What is the plan for door control if the engine is on a frozen/broken hydrant?
- What is the plan if the engine loses water?
- What is the plan if the fire cannot be controlled?

We are professionals, and our forcible entry operation should reflect as such:  This door (as should all doors) should be taken with the Irons, using conventional forcible entry techniques.  Gap the door, set the forks, and force the door ON THE LOCK SIDE.  Then CONTROL THE DOOR by grabbing the door with the Halligan or reaching in with a hook (pike pole) to close the door until a charged attack line is in position.  If any of the questions above surface during our operation, members can withdraw to the safety of the public hallway, and close the door until the problem is rectified, then resume the attack.  See the video below to review the steps described above:

This video is a real door, in a steel frame. It has two heavy locks in place, and an angle-iron shield which complicates the operation. It took less than a minute to force and control.

Note the cable wire (held in place in the ceiling corner by a plastic cover).  This plastic covering melts with very little exposure to heat, dropping the cable onto members entering/leaving the doorway below.

This photo shows two side-by-side doorways, typically both apartments will share the wall that runs between the doorways to an exterior wall.  A firefighter entering the right door to perform a search or advance oa hose-line on a fire should know that there are probably no rooms on the left wall, and all of the rooms are most likely located off of the right wall.  The apartment on the left will most likely be a mirror image of the right apartment.

This fire was on the second floor of a 6 story brick apartment building.  Several civilians were trapped on the floors above, including 6 unconscious civilians (an entire family) that were trying to make their way to the roof, but were trapped behind a locked steel gate in the bulkhead.  The unconscious civilians were actually found by the first and second due Roof Firefighters performing a sweep of the bulkhead (after forcing the bulkhead door to vent). All six civilians survived.

Although many departments may not have H-types or 6 story apartment buildings, the rules above also apply to garden apartments, “Main Street type” apartment buildings or private houses converted to apartments.

Feel free to leave your comments or questions.

Posted by on January 16, 2011 • Filed under: Engine Company Ops, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, Forcible Entry, Ladder Company Ops, rescues, Roof Ops, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, videos • Tagged:

Video: Through the Lock – Rex Tool

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Instructors Chris Collier and Nate DeMarse demonstrate the use of through-the-lock techniques with a Rex Tool.

Note in parts of the video that the lock faces can and will break in some cases. A simple re-orientation of the tool as shown, will sometimes alleviate that problem and allow the operation to continue. If re-orienting the tool does not work, Chris mentions “Plan B”, which should be the “Gap & Cut method which we will demonstrate in a future video. The absolute LAST RESORT method should be to break the glass.

By taking this type of door using through-the-lock forcible entry techniques, we eliminate the broken glass/burst hose line issue, the cross bar catching a firefighter’s SCBA bottle, and IT IS QUICKER and more efficient with a properly trained firefighter.

Posted by on January 14, 2011 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, Forcible Entry, Ladder Company Ops, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged:

A Tribute to Major Richard Winters, Easy Company

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This is an interview with Major Dick Winters of Easy Company.  Some may remember Major Winters from the HBO mini-series “Band of Brothers”.  This hard-charging, extremely efficient leader’s character was depicted by actor Damien Lewis.  If you didn’t catch the series, it is certainly a MUST-WATCH!  This interview specifically is depicted in Episode II: Day of Days.

I believe that all firefighters and fire officers in today’s fire service can take a lesson from Major Winters.  The above video is Major Winters discussing in his own words Easy Company’s assault on Brecourt Manor in Normandy, France on the morning of June 6th, 1944 (D-Day).  We’ll dissect this video to pull some fire service parallels that may be drawn:

20s: Colonel Strayer orders a young officer (then First Lieutenant Dick Winters) to “take care of that fire coming from the right flank”, referencing the (4) 105mm guns that were “zeroed” on the causeway (landing zones) on Utah Beach, dug into a hedgerow.  There is no micro-management, he is just simply ordered to take care of a problem!  Major Winters then comments that Colonel Strayer didn’t know that Winters only had twelve men.  Twelve members to take on a heavily entrenched and extremely dangerous foe! Sound familiar to many?

35s: Major Winters discusses his reconnaissance of the enemy position that he was ordered to eliminate.  We call this a pre-plan in our business.  In our courses, we like to get everyone thinking that every run should be treated like a pre-plan.  Remember subtle things about the building so you can recall them at a later time.  How are the doors locked? How many stairways are in the building? What doors are blocked? The presence window bars, etc.  Major Winters conducted his own size-up noting that he found a “connecting trench”.

45s: Major Winters discusses the results of his reconnaissance (pre-plan).  He recognizes the “connecting trench” that he is confronted with, and recalls the correct way to attack this position.  In our world, he is conducting SIZE-UP.  He is gathering information that is immediately available, recalling training and previous experience to formulate a plan of attack.  He already had a plan-of-attack because soldiers before him had been confronted with similar situations.  He plugs in the people (riding list) to where they will be most efficient (pre-determined job assignments) to conduct this operation and eliminate the German resistance.

1m 12s: Major Winters describes the textbook execution of an assault on a connecting trench.  Major Winters and Easy Company with TWELVE members took on a well dug-in artillery and machine gun emplacement of over 50 German soldiers.  Easy Company disabled four guns that were “zeroed” in on the landing causeway on Utah Beach.  They killed 15 of the enemy (wounded many more) and captured 12 prisoners.  Upon taking Brecourt Manor, they also captured a map with nearly every gun emplacement in Normandy.  When he describes this assault for Steven Ambrose for “Band of Brothers”, he simply describes the operation as “a simple frontal assault with covering fire”.  In our world, this is the OPERATION.  With training, experience, well-informed leaders and men that trust their instincts, their training and their leader (officer), they execute a seemingly impossible task with extreme professionalism and efficiency.

After the assault on the gun emplacements at Brecourt Manor, then First Lieutenant Dick Winters was given command of Easy Company (previous commander killed in the overnight jump).  This was followed by a promotion to Captain on July 2nd, less than a month later.  Colonel Sink recommended Winters for the Medal of Honor for his actions at Brecourt Manor that morning, but only one member of Easy Company was to receive that award.  Major Winters instead received the Distinguished Service Cross, and Silver and Bronze Stars awarded to the members that participated in the assault.  In our world, perhaps Major Winters would be called a “buff”, “gong”, “nerd” or “fan” if he was a firefighter or officer in one of our firehouses.  The fact is, he knew what had to be done, how to do it and who to plug into the various positions to get the job done.  An OUTSTANDING leader of an OUTSTANDING company.

Later in life, when asked if he thought of himself as a hero, he responded “No! but I served in a company of heros!”

This was ONE DAY in a great man’s career in the military!  So why do we recognize Major Winters today?  Unfortunately, Major Winters passed away on January 2nd, 2011 at the age of 92.  He led a full and great life, and I am sure that there were several nights that he thought he may not see 40.  We recognize him for the lives he touched, the lives he saved, the men he led and the absolutely efficient operation that he was in command of in World War II.

Thank you brother.  You will be sorely missed, as will all veterans of your era that continue to fall in only increasing numbers.  Godspeed, and watch over us always!

Respectfully,

Nate DeMarse
Co-Owner, Brotherhood Instructors, LLC.

Reference: CMOH Website of Major Richard Winters

Posted by on January 11, 2011 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, news, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged:

The Halligan Bar – By: Rob Fisher

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An excellent history lesson on the halligan sent to us by Lt. Rob Fisher from Snohomish County, WA.

One of the most versatile pieces of equipment used by the fire service today is the Halligan bar.  This tool has a rich history surrounding it.  To many, the tool has been considered one of the greatest advancements in the fire service.  Any great fireman would tell you if there was one tool they could take to work any job it would be the Halligan.

But, why is that the case?  And, where did it come from?

The Halligan was invented in the 1940’s by Deputy Chief Hugh A. Halligan of FDNY.

Hugh A. Halligan was first appointed to the FDNY on June 16, 1916.  He had worked countless jobs on some of FDNY’s busiest engines and ladder trucks as a fireman and later as a captain.  In this time, Chief Halligan worked with the Halligan bar’s two predecessors – The Kelly tool and the Claw tool.

The Claw tool was considered to be one of the first forcible entry tool used by FDNY.  This tool had been used on the job since the early 1920’s and was difficult to use.  As most had discovered through painful experience, the Claw Tool was heavy and the striking surface was off-centered, making it very dangerous for any firefighter holding it as it was driven into the door.

Then, a captain from Ladder Company 163, John Kelly, designed the next generation of forcible entry tool to be used by FDNY.  Naturally, it was called the Kelly tool.  This new tool did not have the large hook with the offset striking surface.  The striking surface was inline with the entire bar and had a 90◦ flat surface (the adz) to the end.

The Kelly tool had a couple of downfalls; like the Claw tool it too was welded and still too heavy.  And, in those days, firefighters needed to bring both tools to the building due to their specific advantages.  Chief Halligan wanted to design a tool that could be held in one hand; one that would not chip or break at a critical moment; a tool that would not fatigue a firefighter; and one that could be used with safety and full efficiency.  After many hours of “trial and error” the Halligan bar was born.

The Halligan bar was made of cross-drop forged from one piece of No. 4140 (high carbon content) steel, weighed 8 ½ lbs.  Comprised of an adz, pick, and fork, the Halligan would prove to be one of the greatest forcible entry tools ever made.  The standard issue bar is approximately 30” in length, with a 15/16” shaft shaped into a hexagon for grip.  The fork is a minimum of 6” long taper into two well beveled tines.  Spacing between the tines allows for a gas valve to be shut off. The adz has a gentle curve for additional leverage, with a beveled end.  In addition to being used to break something, the pick and adz – only when properly used – provide protection to the arms, hands, and body of the holder during forcible entry operations.

As soon as the tool went on the market it was a huge success.  The Boston Fire Department was one of the first to place the Halligan bar on every ladder company in their department.

Now…one would naturally think FDNY had been the first to have them issued to their ladder companies.  Unfortunately, there was a small problem.  It was determined by those in higher places – let’s just say their favorite colors were white and gold – that there was a “conflict of interest” to have a member of the department selling tools or equipment back to the department in which they worked in.  The department’s hands were tied and the bars could not be purchased.  However, the bars could be purchased by anyone other than the department itself.  Ladder companies across the city began purchasing the Halligan bars with their own money.  The first company in FDNY to receive one was Ladder Company 47.  Coincidentally, they were the first due ladder to Chief Halligan’s home in Parkchester, NY.

The 2nd generation and later Halligan bars were printed on the forks with what looks like AM+D6.  It is, however, believed to be AMDG, which is a Latin acronym for Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam or “for the greater glory of God.”  This Latin phrase was a favorite of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus. Pope John Paul II routinely used it in his writings.  He would print AMDG in the top left of every page he wrote.

Chief Halligan was a very religious man.  It has been told that he would hand make a rosary for each new member coming into the FDNY.  After this task became too overwhelming, it was thought that Chief Halligan turned his religious influences into his bars by having each one printed with AM+DG.  This way he could spread the word to even more.

Folklore…wishful thinking…either way it’s a great story.  Only Hugh himself knows the true meaning behind this Hieroglyphics.  Who cares…the bar speaks for itself!

Most departments who carry the Halligan bar really don’t understand the value of this tool.  Unfortunately, too many of us do not get enough opportunities to become confident and proficient in the bar’s use.

Reading this article has only helped you understand the history of the Halligan bar.  To better understand why it’s the tool of choice of many firefighters (firemen), one must go to their engine or ladder, take it off…hold it…caress it, detail it and work with it.  Never set it down.  Bring it everywhere you go.  You’ll be surprised how many uses there are for this tool. Then – and only then – will they truly understand the impact the Halligan bar has made in the fire service.

Posted by on January 10, 2011 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, Forcible Entry, Ladder Company Ops, RIT or FAST Operations, Roof Ops, Search, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Ventilation • Tagged:

Forcible Entry Door Props – By: Andrew Brassard

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Forcible entry door simulators have been around in some shape or form since there was a need on the fireground to force a door. Most of these door props where spawned in the stuffy old basements of many firehouses, where most of these props still stand today. Props were built by welding the steel directly to the structural supports of the firehouse, where they were used to drill the firefighters in the true art of forcible entry, by challenging everyone who used them from the probie to the senior man. These props offered the most realistic training that could be provided without using an acquired structure.

Construction

Door props like this are very basic in construction, typically pieces of heavy gauge “C” channel or tube steel where used to create the door frame and a heavy piece of flat stock metal was welded on to create a door stop. The door hinges can be constructed in a variety of different ways, the key with hinges is that you make it very easy to change the doors that will be forced in and out of the frame. An easy way to construct a basic hinge set up is to weld a piece of ¼” sheet metal onto three standard door hinges. Drill rows of 1/4 inch holes into the sheet metal; this will allow you to screw the doors in at various heights and in various places to get around damage of the door, windows, etc.

To lock the door, use a piece of “C” channel and drill three evenly spaced out ¼ inch holes in one side and seven to nine  10/32 holes into the other end. The end with the 3 holes will bolt to the “C” channel frame using two or three 10/32 machine screws and other end will be screwed into the door using 1 inch self tapping metal screws. When building the frame, screw the same hole pattern that is on your “C” channel resistance bracket onto the door frame at various heights, this will allow you to place the “lock” at various heights and it will also allow you to lock the door in multiple different spots at the same time to simulate multiple locks on the rear of the door. Having the ability to lock the door at any level will also allow you to use the entire side of the door and get more evolutions out of each side of the door.

A Prop Variation

In my department there was absolutely no way that they would allow me to weld a forcible entry prop into the structural components of the firehouse so I set out to find a way to make a prop that would hold up to the abuse of constant forces and I also wanted to be able to convert it into a wall breech prop. I searched around on the internet, looked at different props that people had made, talked to people about different things they liked and did not like about ones they had made, etc. One of the biggest things that I noticed was that a lot of these portable door props that I saw where very flimsy and would be moving all over the place when you tried to force a door in them. I used channel steel and ¼ inch diamond plate to make the base. I then used 4×4 metal tubes to make the uprights and the header. One inch steel tubing was then used to make the braces that supported the “C” channel that made up the frame for the door.

Doors

The biggest complaints that I hear about this type of door prop is that it is very material and labor intensive, in this case both complaints are very true. This type of forcible entry training is requires a lot of material to put on. You will need a steady supply of doors coming in since you will only get about 10-15 forces out of a door, the best places to look for doors is at the following places:

  • Demolition Sites- Stop by and talk to the Forman, most of the time they are more than willing to give you any of the doors that they are going to be throwing away.
  • Door Factories- If you have a door manufacturing facility in your city or town pay them a visit and see if they will give you some doors the have “manufacturing defects”.
  • Door Instillation Companies- I you talk to the owner allot of the time they will be more than willing to help out with getting you some old doors.
  • Hardware Stores- Talk to the store manager and see if he will put aside all the doors that get scratched, dented, water damaged, etc. Most of the times these doors will be going into the garbage anyway they will usually be very happy to give them to the local fire department.
  • Scrap Yards- most scrap yard come by metal doors quite frequently, if you make the arrangements (case of beer) with the scrap yard manager they will probably put them aside for you.

This type of forcible door prop will require a large quantity of the self-tapping screws and machine bolts.  Consider purchasing these items in bulk from a wholesale distributor instead of from your local hardware or “big box” type store to save money.

Another big thing that I see with doors is the fantastic opportunity for forcible entry saw training. After both sides of the door have been used the door can be taken out of the frame and then used for forcible entry saw training.

Wall Breach Option

Another great option for having a very sturdy forcible entry prop is setting it up for a wall breach scenario for rapid intervention operations. You can utilize two hardwood skids bolted into the door frame secured in place with two long pieces of threaded rod (similar to a H.U.D. window) and depending on how difficult you want to make it, the pallets  could be covered by plywood and drywall.

There are many fantastic forcible entry training props on the market today but nothing will compare to forcing real doors if you have the resources to do so. Forcing doors with traditional forcible entry tools (axe and halligan) is a dying art, it is a skill like any other we posses it must be practiced often to remain sharp. The more realistic that we can make training for our members the more we can help to ensure that they will go home to their loved ones at the end of their tour.

Posted by on January 6, 2011 • Filed under: Building Alteration-Renovation, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, Forcible Entry, Ladder Company Ops, RIT or FAST Operations, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged:

Calling the Mayday – By: Jamie Morelock

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There are many reasons to call a mayday, such as being disoriented, trapped by fire or collapse, air supply issues, or being injured just to name a few.  It is of the utmost importance to recognize any situation that could inhibit your ability to exit the structure.  This is not the time to try to “work through” your problem, nor is the time to let your pride stand in the way of calling for assistance.  Remember we are operating inside a hostile environment with a very limited supply of breathable air…time is of the essence.

Now is the time to stop and take a deep breath, get control of your emotions and breathing rate, and think about what information you are going to give over the radio that will give you the best possible chances of surviving this ordeal.  The easy to remember mnemonic L.U.N.A.R. is a simple memory tool that will quickly relay the vital information required by the Rapid Intervention Team to find and remove you.

L-location, in the fire building

U-unit, company designation and assignment

N-name(s), of person(s) requiring assistance

A-air supply, remaining

R-resources, needed

A typical mayday announcement should begin with keying the radio microphone, counting to three (to yourself) and as calmly and slowly as possible announce “MAYDAY-MAYDAY-MAYDAY”, release the button count to three again, depress the microphone button and announce  “MAYDAY-MAYDAY-MAYDAY” and give your L.U.N.A.R.  The reason for giving a second round of maydays is to make sure that everyone has a moment to absorb what is taking place and the mayday announcement is not lost in the normal “noise” of the fireground.  The mayday should also be given in plain English so that there is no misunderstanding.  An example of a mayday announcement should sound similar to:

“MAYDAY-MAYDAY-MAYDAY, (pause) MAYDAY-MAYDAY-MAYDAY, third floor-rear bedroom, Ladder 8 was division three search, Lt. Smith, firefighters Jones and Williams, we have approximately ten minutes of air remaining, we need a ladder at the rear and tools to remove the window bars, we are cut off by the fire.”

The transmission of this L.U.N.A.R. would take roughly 20 seconds to complete, and gives the Incident Commander an adequate picture of the company’s situation.  It also gives the R.I.T. an idea of what obstacles they will be facing and what equipment they will need to bring with them.  While there is a multitude of mnemonics that could be used, the one you choose for your operations should include L-location as the first letter.  The reason for this is if only one piece of MAYDAY information is transmitted before the loss of communications, the location will ensure precious time is not lost having to search the entire structure for your position.

Once a mayday transmission is heard, everyone should clear the radio of any traffic.  After the mayday information is given to Command it should acknowledged by echoing (repeating) the information back to the fire company that requested assistance.  If the Incident Commander does not acknowledge the mayday, the Dispatcher should activate some form of emergency radio tones and relay the mayday information to Command.  Additionally, the R.I.T. should be staged near the command post and monitoring radio traffic for any MAYDAY transmission as part of their standard operations.

After relaying the pertinent information, you should activate your P.A.S.S. device and begin working towards getting yourself free of the situation. Remember calling for assistance early can make the difference between going home and going to…well you get the idea.

Posted by on January 4, 2011 • Filed under: Engine Company Ops, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, Ladder Company Ops, RIT or FAST Operations, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged:

Hydraulic Forcible Entry Tool Maintenance – By Andrew Brassard

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Inspection and maintenance of all tools on your apparatus on a daily basis is vital to ensuring that they are battle ready and will not fail you when you need them most. One tool that requires special and frequent inspection and maintenance is the Hydraulic Forcible Entry Tool (HFET), more commonly known as the Hydra Ram. This tool is a great addition to your forcible entry tool cache and can come in very handy if you must force multiple doors and can be advantageous during zero visibility or tight spaces forcible entry operations. A lot of misconceptions about the checking procedures for the Hydra Ram exist. When we are out teaching we always ask students “who checks there HFET on a daily or weekly basis?” Almost all of the students answer “yes,” but when we ask the student “how do you check it” the answers vary and some of the major misconceptions about checking these tools surface. The way that the Hydra Ram is maintained can cause your tool to fail when you need it the most.

One of the big misconceptions is checking the tool without putting it under a “load”. Most firefighters will take the HFET out of the compartment, pump it up, retract the jaws and put it back on the truck. This does not push the mineral oil up into the gaskets to keep them moist and prevents them from cracking. If the seals in the hydraulic tool dry out they will tend to crack or become very brittle.  Then, when you go to use the HFET during an actual forcible entry operation the weakened seal will fail under pressure. This is probably the most common problem that causes HFET failure. This becomes especially important during winter months when the cold weather tends to dry out rubber even quicker than normal. To check the tool under “load” simply place the jaws in-between the jaws on a bench vise and pump up the tool until the HFET jaws are snug against the jaws of the bench vise. It is vital that you only pump the tool until there is slight tension in the handle of the HFET. WARNING: If you pump the HFET too much you will cause the bench vise to fail which could cause serious injury!! Other methods that I have seen for checking the HFET include putting they jaws under the soda machine or in-between sewer grates.  How ever you do it is fine, just remember to put the tool under some tension to get the mineral oil to lubricate the gaskets. Finding out at an apartment fire that the gasket is dried out or the tool has failed after a few pumps is not a good idea……especially when you have 10 apartment doors to force!

One other problem that lies within the daily maintenance of the HFET is that a firefighter will fully extend the piston fully, and then over-lubricate the piston.  This is a good practice but you must watch what product you are using to perform this lubrication. When applying a lubricant stay away from flammable products.  The reason for this is that flammable lubricants (WD-40, ZEP, etc) typically contain toluene.  Toluene causes major and rapid deterioration of rubber.  All of the seals in the HFET are made of rubber. When applying a lubricant try to find something that is non-flammable, apply the lubricant to the piston and then wipe the access off with a rag.

Hydraulic forcible entry tools are a great addition to your forcible entry arsenal but it is a piece of machinery and is very susceptible to failure.  Proficiency in the use of the Irons can never be over emphasized. Hydraulic forcible entry tools have their place, but can never replace a well trained, disciplined, and aggressive pair of firefighters with a set of irons. Hydraulic forcible entry tools should enhance your conventional forcible entry operations…. Not completely change them.

“If you can’t force every door in your district with a set of irons, you should not be allowed to touch the hydra ram” – Captain Robert Morris, FDNY Rescue 1

Use these quick tips and tricks to ensure that your tools are battle ready the next time the tones go off.

Posted by on January 3, 2011 • Filed under: firefighting-operations, Forcible Entry, Ladder Company Ops, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged:

Commercial & Industrial Warehouse Fire Considerations – By Nate DeMarse

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This drill was previously posted on our old Online Drills page on January 29th, 2010.  We are gradually bringing our old content to the new blog site.

This photo provides a great overview of operations in a commercial-type warehouse. Several points of discussion are present:

- The roll-down gate was able to be raised without defeating it, most likely with this type of door, it was raised by using the chain inside the building. The door must be secured open in case of failure, and since this is a large door for a vehicle, conventional methods are not useful. Here a ladder company has used a 24′ portable ladder to assure that the door does not drop down pinching hose lines and trapping members. This is a very simple solution to an often overlooked and very dangerous issue.

- A heavy fire condition in the building with little or no smoke showing from the doorway. This indicates that vertical ventilation is working well, or that the ceilings are of very high and heat and smoke is building up drastically. Communication with members operating on the roof is paramount.

Members must be EXTREMELY AWARE of this build-up. In the photo, visibility is great, even near the fire area. This “false-sense of security” can lure members into trap-like conditions. Once the ceiling reaches the correct temperature, roll-over will occur and fire will rapidly drop down on the members and overwhelm hose lines (in some cases even 2 1/2″ hose lines). The only way to guard against this is by communication and awareness. Use thermal imaging cameras (also in the photo) and 2 1/2″ attack lines. The reach and “punch” of the stream will darken fire down well in advance of the nozzle team.

- The 10′ hook on the right side of the photo is also a must if ceilings must be pulled down. A member in this building with a 6′ hook is all but useless. As a rule, I will drop the 6′ hook and take a 10′ hook at most commercial fires. This will allow me to pull the multiple ceilings typically found in these old buildings. Don’t stop pulling until you’ve reached the roof boards. Sometimes, the 10′ hook can be used as a “thermometer” of sorts in the absence of a thermal imaging camera. You can extend the hook into the smoke above you, then lower it and CAREFULLY feel the head of the hook. This may give you an idea of the conditions above you if you cannot “see” them with a TIC. This will keep you from getting too deep, too fast and getting into trouble.

- A search rope is also present on a few members in this photo. Remember to secure the search rope on the EXTERIOR (parking meter, street light, rig, car, etc…) of the building regardless of conditions inside the building as you enter. Although clear in the building presently, if conditions deteriorate, you want the search line to bring you back to the street, NOT 20′ inside the door, which is now banked down to the floor and you have to “guess” the rest of the way.

- Water run-off: In this photo there is a single 2 1/2″ attack line flowing 250-300 gallons per minute. The trickle of water coming out of the overhead door is not nearly the amount of water being poured into the building. Perhaps it is going to a harmless point in the building, a drain, the basement, out another door due to the natural slope, etc…

What if it is not running off harmlessly? In this case it was being soaked into all of those pallets filled with antique furniture and other combustible and “sponge-like” items. Those items were stacked floor to ceiling, across TWO FLOORS of this 300×300 warehouse. Simple math: 250gpms at 8lbs per gallon = 2,000lbs (or 1 TON) of water per minute PER HOSE LINE! There were at least 8 attack lines on this fire during the offensive stage. That doesn’t even account for the floor load already present.

ALWAYS watch the water run-off. If it is going in, and not coming out it is going somewhere. This is equally important during exterior operations while utilizing master streams. After the bulk of the fire has been knocked down, the tendency is to enter the building to extinguish stubborn pockets of fire. The video below illustrates why that may not be such a good idea if the building is not allowing the water to run-off.

In the video above in Midtown Manhattan serves as a great purpose for watching water run off. D/C Vincent Dunn had command of this fire, and would not allow members to enter the building to extinguish pockets of fire. At :53 seconds, you will see his reasoning.  The early video of the fire, you see no run-off even though several tower ladders throw TONS of water per minute into the building. If you listen to the video, the building was FILLED FLOOR TO CEILING with shoe boxes (excellent sponges).  They flowed water via master streams for ELEVEN hours.  Listen closely to the audio at 1:50 as well. “Engineers” declared this building “structurally stable” 3hrs before the collapse.

Feel free to jump in with any comments or questions.  I also want to extend a warm welcome to the members of the firehouse that are keeping up with the current events of Brotherhood Instructors, LLC.

Have a Safe & Happy New Year!

Nate DeMarse
Brotherhood Instructors, LLC.
ndemarse.broinstructors@gmail.com

Posted by on January 1, 2011 • Filed under: firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, Ladder Company Ops, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, videos • Tagged: