Checking for Extension, Overhaul and Forcible Entry
Session Reference: 1-1 Topic: Checking for Extension, Overhaul and Forcible Entry Time Required: 2 Hours Materials: • Variety of Entry Tools • Utility Rope References: • Truck Company Fireground...
Session Reference: 1-1
Topic: Checking for Extension, Overhaul and Forcible Entry
Time Required: 2 Hours
Materials:
• Variety of Entry Tools
• Utility Rope
References:
• Truck Company Fireground Operations, Second Edition, Chapters 6, 7, and 13
• Essentials of Fire Fighting, Third Edition, Chapters 6, 10, and 13
PREPARATION:
Motivation:
Objective (SPO): 1-1
The student will demonstrate a basic understanding of interior fire extension, fire spread,
pre-fire inspection, size-up, overhaul, tools, and forcible entry through windows and
doorways.
Overview:
Checking for Extension and Forcible Entry
• Interior fire extension
• Size-up
• Introduction to overhaul
• Checking for rekindle
• Tools
• Forcible entry through windows and doorways
Session 1-1 Checking for Extension, Overhaul and Forcible Entry
SPO 1-1 The student will demonstrate a basic understanding of interior fire extension, fire spread,
exterior exposures, pre-fire inspection, size-up, overhaul, tools, and forcible entry
through windows and doorways.
EO 1-1-1 Describe the interior building features which contribute to fire extension and the
methods of checking for fire in them.
EO 1-1-2 Describe the size up considerations related to fire extension.
EO 1-1-3 Describe the concept of overhaul and the requirements for carrying it out.
EO 1-1-4 Describe the indications and areas of rekindling and the importance of discovering and
preserving possible evidence of arson.
EO 1-1-5 Describe the general categories of tools used in forcible entry.
EO 1-1-6 Describe obstacles to entry and various methods to accomplish forcible entry in various
structural components.
I. Interior Fire Extension (1-1-1)
A. Fire in concealed spaces
1. If there is possibility of fire in space or shaft, it must be opened and inspected visually
a. Stream must be directed into shaft
b. Shaft must be ventilated
2. Either open shafts, walls, partitions, ceilings, floors, or whatever, or let fire destroy building
completely
3. Every effort should be made to minimize damage to building and contents
4. Openings must be large enough for inspection, hose manipulation, ventilation, and to admit sufficient
water to extinguish fire
5. Ventilation and search for fire in concealed space companion operations
B. Vertical fire spread
1. Fire travels vertically inside walls and partitions and through pipe shafts, dumbwaiters, air shafts,
and similar pathways
a. Many one- and two-family dwellings contain shafts that carry water, gas and electric line or
sewer system vent pipes
b. Newer dwellings and apartment houses have central heating vents
c. Vertical channels normally located toward rear of commercial buildings, stores, and shopping
centers
d. In apartment buildings, they follow pattern of layouts and most often found near kitchens and
bathrooms, each shaft serving several apartments
e. In some modern structures, shafts located in single central core
f. Vent pipes and kitchen vents on roof good indicators of where shafts will be found
g. Vertical concealed spaces often created when interior of building is finished
2. Indications
a. If there is working fire, fire fighters should assume that flames entered concealed space
b. Look for smoke and flames issuing from walls
c. Blistering, discoloration, or streaking of paint or other wall coverings indicate presence of fire or
heat
d. Wall hot to touch
e. Detection of fire by smell
f. Fire may actually crack, hiss, and pop loudly
3. Checking walls
a. Search for vertical spread should begin directly over fire on floor above fire floor
