Forcible Entry Techniques Used by Firefighters

Forcible Entry Techniques Used by Firefighters: Learn key door breaching methods using Halligan tools, axes, and team tactics.

Fire departments use a systematic approach when performing forcible entry (such as door breaching). The key is to work methodically and safely using specific tools and steps.

🔧 Basic Approach

All forcible entries follow a three-step method:

1. Gap → 2. Set → 3. Force

First, assess the situation: what kind of door is it? Is it locked? What’s the frame made of?
Always try the door before forcing it—sometimes it’s already unlocked.

🚪 Inward-Swinging Door (Single Firefighter Technique)

1. Shock the Door
Tap or hit the door to feel for hidden locks and create an initial gap between the door and frame.

youtube : Houston Fire Department Forcible Entry Instructional Video

2. Insert the Adze (Flat Part of Halligan Tool)
Slide the adze into the gap. Then rotate the tool away from the spike (pointed end) to maximize leverage.

3. Place the Flat-Head Axe
Put the axe blade into the gap made by the adze and brace it with your foot to hold it in place.

4. Find the Fork’s Set Point
Align the curved part of the Halligan’s fork behind the door stop. Then push to force the door open.

5. Reposition the Tool (if needed)
If space is tight or you’re not getting enough leverage, reposition the Halligan and use it again to finish the job.

🚪 Outward-Swinging Door (Single Firefighter Technique)

1. Place the Axe Blade
Wedge the axe blade into the gap between the door and frame. Brace the handle with your foot.

2. Strike the Axe with the Halligan
Use the Halligan’s edge to hammer the axe in and widen the gap.

3. Insert the Halligan Tool
Place the Halligan into the expanded gap, aiming the adze so it reaches behind the door stop.

4. Rotate to Expand the Gap
Twist the Halligan to crush and widen the space, then insert deeper until the adze is fully behind the door.

5. Apply Force
Once the tool is set, pull back on it to force the door open.

🧑‍🚒🧑‍🚒 Two-Firefighter Techniques

Used when one firefighter isn’t enough.

1. Roles

Lead Firefighter: Handles the Halligan and gives commands.
Support Firefighter: Uses the striking tool (e.g., flat-head axe).

2. Commands

“Hit” = One hit
“Drive” = Keep hitting until told to stop
“Stop” = Stop hitting
“Wedge” = Secure progress by holding the tool in place

🚪 Outward-Swinging Door (Two-Firefighter Technique)

1. Insert the Adze
Lead firefighter places the adze between the door and frame. Support firefighter strikes on “Hit” until the adze reaches behind the door stop.

2. Apply Rotational Force
Twist the Halligan to widen the gap. Reposition and repeat until the adze reaches behind the door.

3. Force the Door Open
Pull back with the tool once it’s set to open the door.

🚪 Inward-Swinging Door (Two-Firefighter Technique)

1. Shock the Door
Start by hitting the door to assess it. Then place the fork end of the Halligan into the gap, with the bevel facing the door frame (opposite of the single-firefighter method).

2. Create the Gap
Use the curve of the fork to guide it deeper between the door and frame.

3. Commands and Progress
While applying pressure, call “Hit” repeatedly until the fork slides behind the door. Then switch to “Drive” until it reaches behind the door stop. Say “Stop” when in position.