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.

Learn about the guidelines and best practices for firefighters to conduct forcible entry operations, including permission, expertise, and minimizing damage.