Methods for Opening Shutters at Fire Scenes: Key cutting techniques and essential safety precautions.

Quick response at fire scenes is crucial for saving lives. Closed shutters can become significant obstacles to rescue operations. This article introduces specific methods firefighters can use to quickly open shutters, even when power is cut off or the shutter mechanisms are damaged.

Types of Shutters

Roll-Up Doors

Roll-up doors are commonly used in stores, factories, and warehouses. They move vertically along guide rails fixed to the outer wall. These doors can be operated manually, with chain assists, or using electric motors. Roll-up doors consist of rolling steel doors made of connected metal slats or sheet curtain doors made of a single solid sheet.

However, roll-up doors can cause problems at fire scenes, such as delaying discovery or restricting ventilation. Therefore, understanding how to quickly open them is essential.

Sectional Overhead Doors

Sectional overhead doors are made by combining panels and are primarily seen in commercial settings. These panels are made of steel, aluminum, wood, or fiberglass. They can be operated manually or electrically. Methods for forced entry include unlocking padlocks or operating electrical switches in the case of electric doors.

These doors require special attention at fire scenes as they can delay discovery or restrict ventilation.

Tilt-Up Overhead Doors

Tilt-up overhead doors consist of a thin metal or wooden skin attached to a frame, hinged in the middle to swing up and down. They are used mainly in older residential garages and commercial settings. They can be operated manually or electrically.

Common forced entry methods for these doors include removing padlocks or other locking devices. Forced entry methods for all these door types include removing padlocks or other locks or operating electric switches if power is available.

Methods for Cutting Shutters

Normal Cutting Methods

Normal cutting methods for shutters generally involve using an engine cutter. Cut the section just above the slat with the lock, then insert your hand to turn the thumbturn and unlock the shutter. Note that other types of locks may require different unlocking methods.

Cutting Methods During Fires

During a fire, especially if there is a fire source inside the shutter, the “three-side cut” method is recommended. Use an engine cutter to cut the bottom, left, and right sides of the shutter. This allows for the removal of a section of the shutter. By not cutting the top edge, you can close the opening as needed, preventing the spread of fire even when not using water.

Teepee Cut

Advantages of the Teepee Cut

The teepee cut is effective for quickly applying water to the fire source during a fire. This method is applied to shutter doors and similar structures, creating an opening through specific cutting patterns. It is characterized by its speed and efficiency.

Disadvantages of the Teepee Cut

However, the teepee cut has drawbacks. After cutting, the cut parts of the door can pile up in front of the opening. If there are reinforcement bars at the base of the gate, it may be challenging to cut all the way to the ground. Also, cuts are only possible at reachable heights, making the entryway narrow.

Teepee Cut Procedure

The procedure for the teepee cut is as follows: First, use a rescue saw to cut toward the center of the door at a 60-degree angle. Next, make a second cut toward the edge at a 60-degree angle, ensuring it doesn’t intersect the first cut. Finally, make a third cut so that it intersects the first two cuts, then push the door inward. This creates a triangular or teepee-shaped opening, allowing for quick water application.

Center Cut & Pull

Advantages of the Center Cut & Pull

The center cut & pull method is used for cutting roll steel doors. It requires only one cut, creating a large opening quickly. The remaining part of the door can be rolled up, allowing for flexible handling.

Disadvantages of the Center Cut & Pull

This method is only effective for steel rolling doors with interlocking slats. Removing the interlocking slats can be difficult as they are often riveted.

Cutting Procedure

First, make a long vertical cut from head height to the bottom of the door. Next, make a small angled cut below the vertical cut to create an opening for the rescue saw head. Use this opening to cut the bottom channel or angle iron of the door. Finally, use a halligan bar’s pick to pull the door slats from the track. Once removed, the slats below the cut fall to the ground, making them movable.

Peel Back & Drop Cut

Advantages of the Peel Back & Drop Cut

The peel back & drop cut is adaptable to various overhead doors and roll-up doors and is favored by firefighters. It creates a large opening suitable for entry and ventilation.

Disadvantages of the Peel Back & Drop Cut

This method takes time and may require multiple team members. There is also a risk of damaging the guides or wheels inside the door track, preventing the uncut parts from rolling up.

Cutting Procedure

First, make a long vertical cut from head height to the bottom of the door. Then, make a small angled cut below the vertical cut to create an opening for the rescue saw head. Use this opening to cut the bottom channel or angle iron of the door. Next, make a horizontal cut from the central vertical cut to the edge of the door, avoiding cuts at sectional door grooves or creases. Finally, open (peel back) the door using the tracks or guides as hinge points.

Precautions

When cutting shutters, it is important to leave a small amount of material near the cut intersections to prevent the door from flapping due to saw vibrations and to avoid the blade getting stuck. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is essential to use them appropriately depending on the situation.

Reference page: Fire Fighting skills are crucial, and everyone must improve them.

References　National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

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