FORCIBLE ENTRY M ANUAL

SAN FRANCISCO FIRE DEPARTMENT

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FORCIBLE ENTRY MANUAL

Created August 29, 2005
San Francisco Fire Department 698 Second Street San Francisco, CA 94107 415-558-3200

Published by: Division of Training Assistant Deputy Chief Thomas Siragusa Director of Training

2310 Folsom Street San Francisco, CA 94110

Phone: (415) 970-2000 Author: Battalion Chief Ted Corporandy Chief of Department: Joanne Hayes-White

This manual is the sole property of the San Francisco Fire Department

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgement Introduction Conventional Forcible Entry Inward Opening Doors The Fork Technique The Fork Technique on Steel Doors The Adze Technique The Point Technique Outward Opening Doors The Fork Technique The Adze Technique Tools Through-The-Lock Forcible Entry Mortise Locks Rim Locks Tubular Deadbolts Knob Locks Key Tools Padlocks Heavy Security Padlocks Metal Roll-Down Doors References Appendix A 9 10 13 14 14 16 16 17 19 19 20 21 23 24 29 33 35 37 38 41 45 49 50

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FOREWORD
The goal of this manual is to establish standard operating practices as authorized by the Chief of Department and implemented by the Division of Training. The purpose of this manual is to provide all members with the essential information necessary to fulfill the duties of their positions and to provide a standard text whereby company officers can: Enforce standard drill procedures authorized as a basis of operation for all companies. Align company drills to standards as adopted by the Division of Training. Maintain a high degree of proficiency, both personally and among their subordinates.

All manuals shall be kept up to date so that all officers may use the material contained in the various manuals to meet the requirements of their responsibility. Conditions will develop in fire fighting situations where standard methods of operation will not be applicable. Therefore, nothing contained in these manuals shall be interpreted as an obstacle to the experience, initiative, and ingenuity of officers in overcoming the complexities that exist under actual fire ground conditions. To maintain the intent of standard procedures and practices, no correction, modification, expansion, or other revision of this manual shall be made unless authorized by the Division of Training. Suggestions for correction, modification or expansion of this manual shall be submitted to the Division of Training. Suggestions will be given due consideration, and if adopted, notice of their adoption and copies of the changes made will be made available to all members by the Division of Training.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Forcible entry is a key function of truck companies but until recently did not get the attention it deserved. While there have been a number of innovators who have taken the initiative to develop methods of forcing entry it was Chief Tom Brennan who introduced modern forcible entry techniques to the fire service. Chief Brennan is a 25 year veteran of FDNY and former chief of the Waterbury (Conn.) Fire Department. As former editor of Fire Engineering Magazine he was able to share his knowledge and experience through the magazine. He is a nationally recognized authority on fire service operations and continues to write for Fire Engineering Magazine and is a key contributor to Firenuggets.com. Chief Brennan was the major influencing factor in the production of this manual.

INTRODUCTION
In the past the accepted means of forcing entry to a structure often meant the complete destruction of a door assembly resulting in a considerable amount of damage. The property owner said little because it was the nature of our business. Times have changed, and as one of the largest users of tax dollars, todays fire service is under constant public and government scrutiny to provide the most efficient, cost effective service possible. The useless destruction of public property, no matter how well intentioned, is no longer accepted. The modern Fire Service now focuses on a more proficient means of forcible entry. The process requires more thought placed on the act of gaining entry to a structure and a better understanding of door and lock assemblies. The end result is less damage, a happier customer (citizen) and a more professional Fire Department.

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