Ch13 Set 07: Overhead Doors, Fire Doors, and Window Entry Techniques

What opening does the chapter describe for forcing an overhead door?

A square or rectangular rotary-saw opening about 6 feet high and nearly the door's full width.

What should follow gaining access through an overhead door?

Use its lifting mechanism to open it fully.

How must an overhead door be secured after opening?

Block it open with cribbing or shoring, or secure its rail with locking pliers above head height.

Why must an overhead door be positively secured open?

Its control mechanism could fail and allow it to fall onto firefighters.

What is a fire door?

A movable assembly protecting an opening in a rated separation wall to limit fire spread.

What types of fire doors are listed?

Sliding, swinging, and overhead rolling.

Where are interior fire doors commonly located?

Between building areas, around hazardous processes or storage, and along protected exit routes.

What is the purpose of an exterior fire door?

Protecting the building from an adjacent exposure.

How may an exterior fire door differ from an interior fire door during entry?

It is likely locked and may require normal overhead- or sliding-door entry methods.

How are interior fire doors activated?

Manually or automatically when fire is detected.

What does the chapter say about interior fire doors locking when activated?

The described doors close without locking in place.

When may firefighters need to block a fire door open?

When its closing would block escape or pinch a hoseline during passage and operations.

What caution applies to forcing or propping a fire door?

It defeats part of the fire separation and changes the flow path; preserve its protective function when possible.

How can a window provide access without being the main entry route?

A firefighter can enter through it to unlock a door from inside.

What can result from forcing the wrong window?

Disrupted ventilation, intensified fire, and fire drawn into previously uninvolved areas.

What entry delay can breaking a window create?

Glass shards must be cleared before firefighters can pass.

What hazards can broken window glass create outside the building?

Flying or falling shards, especially from upper floors.

What hazards can broken window glass create inside the building?

It can injure victims and create slippery or unstable footing for firefighters.

What makes window breaking an irreversible ventilation action?

The broken window remains an opening and cannot simply be closed again.

Where should a firefighter stand when breaking glass with a pike pole?

Upwind and higher than the window so glass does not slide down the handle toward the firefighter.

What makes wire glass difficult to remove?

Embedded wire holds broken glass in the frame.

What tool can remove wire glass?

A sharp tool, such as the pick of an axe, used to chop it from the frame.

How does safety film affect window entry?

It holds broken glass together, so cutting tools may be needed instead of striking tools.

What makes double- or triple-pane windows costly and time-consuming to remove?

Multiple glass layers and the bonding material holding shards in place.

When should fixed windows or glass-block window walls be forced?

As a last resort, potentially using a sledgehammer or battering ram.

What glass-block wall dimensions are given in the chapter?

About 2-4 inches thick, with manufactured block panels up to 47 inches square.

What determines the entry method for a double-hung window?

Its lock arrangement and sash-frame material.

Why are metal-frame double-hung windows harder to pry?

The lock may not pull out of the sash and may jam.

What may be quicker if a double-hung window lock does not yield to minimal pressure?

Break an appropriate pane and operate the lock manually.

How does a single-hung window differ from a double-hung window?

Only its bottom panel moves; locking and entry methods are otherwise similar.

How is a multipane casement window opened by the method described?

Break the lowest pane, clear glass, cut the screen, unlock and crank open the window, then remove the screen.

What changes when a casement window has one full pane?

After removing the glass and screen, cranking the frame open is unnecessary.

What entry method applies to a horizontal sliding window?

The same general approach as a sliding door.

What methods are described for an awning window?

Break the glass or pry the window up from its frame.

What limits entry through jalousie and many awning windows?

Small openings restrict access even after glass removal.

What alternative may be more efficient for a jalousie window?

Cut around and remove the entire window assembly, when appropriate.

What entry methods apply to projecting and pivoting windows?

Break the glass or cut the window panel out of its frame.

What should be done with window security bars when sufficient resources are available?

Remove them to provide emergency escape routes for crews inside.

How may security grilles or screens be mounted?

Permanently fixed, hinged at the top or side, or locked into brackets.

How may a hinged security grille be opened?

Cut an accessible lock; if that is not possible, a rotary saw may cut the screen fabric.

What still must happen after a security grille or screen is removed?

The window itself must be opened or forced.

What preparation is needed for unusually secure or structurally strong windows?

Identify them in preincident plans and provide the required training and tools.

What should crews do when they lack the tools or knowledge to force a secure window?

Choose another entry option.