(Photo courtesy of Northern Virginia Fools)
With the numerous and often overwhelming initial tasks required to be performed on the fireground by the first due truck company (especially those understaffed), a thorough size-up and 360 of the building must still be made. If window bars are encountered by the OVM during his walk-around, he should notify his truck officer or incident commander immediately via portable radio. Not only does this notify the officer in charge, but incoming units are now made aware of the situation also. This is vital when crews are already operating inside, or are about to make entry. Most window bars are anchored into the mortar and are fairly easy to remove with the use of a halligan bar. This usually holds the same for child gates/bars. Some, however, may require the use of a circular saw and may become labor intensive.
Note the bars in the photo above. They are set inside the frame of the casement windows, and are anchored about 8 inches into the concrete/masonry wall. The removal of this type of window/bars can certainly tax initial companies.
Do you have enough special services companies to handle this type of issue on your first alarm assignment?
How would you attack these window bars?
What kind of tools/personnel would you need?
Does your truck crew train on window bar or casement window removal as part of basic forcible entry?
-Keith
1 comment:
Looks like the best way to remove would be a circular saw. It is quick and available on all trucks and rescue companies. Take out the sides and the bottom, then pry up.
Things to consider.
1. The bars are on the inside of the window glass (unusual)by taking out the glass make sure that the interior crew knows you are venting this area. Venting this area my draw the fire towards that location.
2. On residential bars there should be a interior release if installed correctly.
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