Chris Johnson from Concord (NH) sent in this writeup on using the four cut method for opening roll up doors. There are a number of different methods that can be utilized to defeat roll up doors, and each have there pros and cons. This particular method creates a large opening while maintaining the ability to control the door. Click here to see the full write up on this technique. We made the write-up into a downloadable pdf so you can print it out for a kitchen table discussion, or for some OJT (On the John Training.)
6 thoughts on “Four Cut Roll Up”
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I think there is a old video on the site for cutting roll up doors.
Jet axe
Good stuff, always nice to see others that have used this stuff post it up!Stay safe everyone, Lt.Horton. E40A- Largo Fire Rescue, Florida
Couple of things on Roll Up Gates.
A) Never assume occupnts are nonexistent when these are down. had a few incidents with shop owners inside with gates down.
B) If you are going to go after the lock vs. the gate itself, Don’t forget to pull the pins after cutting. Young eager lads immediately start tugging on the gate without pulling the pins.
C) Have another FF keep a foot on the bottom piece of angel iron so as to keep the tension off the gate. Once you start cutting the gate will rack to the weak side and make it more difficult to cut as well allow the gate to rise as you want it to after the cuts are completed.
D) Metal cutting blades are meant to be operated at a slow RPM when making the initial cut. Once you have a groove deep enough or you’ve plunged through the gate metal, then brignup the saw RPMS and move balanced and gently. If you get aggressive with these blades, they will shatter and the pieces are hot and unforgiving.
E)If there are gates on the exposures(at working fires) cut those as well. You already have the saw running and you are there. Start it…..Finish It.
F) Having a handline in place prior to beginning ANY Forcible Entry cut is a good idea. In taxpayer occupancies, the potential for Backdraft is greatest. The gates may the only thing preventing the draft from occurring.
Keep drilling on the basics fellas. Too many brothers dying at “routine” fires and incidents.
Cheers.
This is a great example of how to apply common sense to improve techniques already widely used! Great idea and I’ll definitely use this.
At my dept we go (using your picture) in this order – 4, 1, 2, 3. We have to leave a gap (not intersect) between cuts 4 and 1 or the door will come down on you while cutting 2, 3. Then we cut the small space between 4 and 1 to finish the cut at the end.
This is a much more efficient way to accomplish the same cut and eliminates the falling door risk.
Great work!
Good video on this by Trey Nelms of 3 truck Nashville fire. Search it on you tube