G-FORC Forcible Entry

Forcible Entry Guidelines

• Forcible entry should be attempted to investigate or prevent loss of life, potential injury, or damage to the environment or property.
• Firefighters should observe the following:
  • Receive permission from an Officer before conducting forcible entry operations.
  • Utilize the expertise of personnel on scene.
  • Use the most effective means of gaining access.
  • Try before forcing and make openings only as large as necessary.
  • Avoid unnecessary damage.
  • Use appropriate tools for the task.
  • Wear appropriate safety equipment.
  • Have a charged hose line ready as necessary.

Damage to Adjoining Property

• If forcible entry damages fences, gates, doors, or other assets of property not connected with the actual incident, the reporting Officer shall provide information on the Emergency Incident Report.
• Information to be included on the Emergency Incident Report:
  • Location.
  • Owner's name (if available).
  • Damage to property.
  • Extent of damage.
  • Estimated cost of repairs.
• At the conclusion of an incident, personnel shall attempt to secure property damaged by forcible entry to prevent additional loss.
• Examples of securing property:
  • Covering broken windows with plastic and securing from weather.
  • Replacing boards of a fence removed to gain entry.

Securing the Property

• If securing the building will be a momentous task for TFS personnel, the Incident Commander may request the Communications Centre to notify Works and Emergency Services Division personnel to attend the incident.
• If forcible entry is made into a property adjoining a fire, the owner, some responsible person, or the Police should be present and made aware of the situation before leaving the scene.
• Information regarding the owner, responsible person, or the Police Officer identification shall be included on the Emergency Incident Report.

Entry Notification

• When entry to a premises is necessary during the absence of the occupant, a copy of a TFS Action Taken form shall be left in a prominent location within the premises.
• The form shall be noted on the Emergency Incident Report.
• If the premises is left in the charge of a responsible person, the name of the person shall be indicated on the notice and included on the Emergency Incident Report.
• If the premises is secured against unauthorized entry and left unattended, the method of securing shall be noted.
• TFS Action Taken forms shall be carried on each emergency response vehicle.