Challenging Forcible Entry

Chauffer Oren Bersagel-Briese from Castle Rock Fire sent in a door that could pose a challenge if it needed to be forced. He and the Crew on 155-Quint ran into this door on the main entry of a residential structure on a recent run. 

The door is made of solid wood and is 2.5 inches thick.  The locking mechanisms consisted of a single dead-bolt, supplemented by additional locks on the inside. The dead-bolt lock itself was recessed into the door making a through the lock type entry almost impossible. The door on the right has a "dummy" cover on it to look like the other door. 

The door also presented another challenge, the actual dead bolt throw is also covered making cutting the bolt a little more difficult. granted this piece could more than likely be pried off with some effort, or just plunged through with the rotary saw. 

A view from the inside shows us that the deadbolt was not the only issue.

These doors have the ability to be "pinned" on both the top and bottom of the door.

By no means would this door be an impossible force, nothing really ever is. But during fire conditions when presented with this set-up for the first time, it make take a few moments to figure out the best option. It's very important to attempt to identify and visualize where the door is being held up, and what needs to be defeated. Remember to work smarter not harder.