Forcible Entry Friday : 7/11/25 - Chunk Nelms

Everyone has their own approach when it comes to softening a structure. This is true no matter if we are talking residential or commercial. This could be when it’s done during the incident, who’s responsible for doing it, preferred method, and equipment carried. Regardless, alternate means of egress is task that must be completed. Whether your staffing allows for an OV fireman or if the chauffeur fills the role, someone has to address bars on windows, roll up doors, forcing rear doors, etc. Some things to think about when operating rotary saws:

1. There are 8 positions all operators should be comfortable with. 16 if you really think about it. Above your head, shoulder level, hip level, ground level (horizontally and vertically, right handed and left handed). Having good saw skills comes from training. Practice so you look like a rockstar on the fireground.

2. No matter what type of power saw you use, it needs to be operated at full throttle. Two-stroke engines deliver a high-performance output when operated properly. When going to plunge the saw blade into the material, the blade needs to be spinning at full rpms to be effective. To accomplish this requires the rotary saw to be running at full throttle, then introduce the blade into the material to be cut.

3. Make the opening wide. Come off the edges of the frame at least 6 inches and make sure the cuts all overlap. (This helps ensure that each cut connects and the blade is through).

4. Saw position & technique have a lot to do with getting it right on the first cut. The type and size of blade can have a significant impact. In general, you always want to bury the blade to the arbor. Also remember the full depth of the blade is at the center, not at the edges.

5. Avoid cutting in or on a seam. Running your blade in seams often cause you blade to get bound up or require you to cut materials made of thicker tougher metals.

6. When you finish a cut, stop the blade from spinning. Just simply let go of the trigger and drive the blade back in the material you’re cutting.