Engineer Brandon Roark from South Bend (IN) sent in these pictures of something they recently ran across at a local strip mall. The business was secured with a chain link fence and rolling gate, inside the store. The fence sat approximately two and a half feet inside the entrance. The fence covered the entire store (all four walls had a fence.) The rear door was also blocked by a fence, but it did not have a gate present. Now this fence would be nothing more than a slight inconvenience to anyone with a tool, but it could certainly catch you by surprise. Simply another reason not to drop your tools at the door.
Since the fence sat 2.5ft inside the front windows, it may initially go unnoticed if the store was charged with smoke. After the door is forced, and the push begins, it would become obvious. It goes to show you that in these tough economic times business owners may not be securing their occupancies in the more traditional fashions we are used to seeing (these methods may cost them money.) These “non-traditional” homebrew security devices will undoubtedly become a more common item we’ll run across. As with every forcible entry situation we are faced with: slow down! Identify and Visualize what you are trying to defeat… work smarter not harder.
How are the post secured to the floor, or are they?
looks like they are bolted to the floor….
…work smarter not harder indeed…
This building is not in my area.
No worries; all fires in this building should have xlnt visibilty as it is clearly marked “no smoking”.
They just put the fence in to keep their guard-dog in. So hang on to those tools to fight off the pissed-off pitbull.
I think the bigger concern is encountering the fence when trying to escape, not while forcing entry.
I agree with the last post. Gaining entry is one thing but what if you come across this after your well advanced. If they are using chain link fence to increase perimeter security what are they using inside to protect other areas, like high dollar merchandise or register areas even computers. Keep your guard up.
I also agree with the first Chris. That is an excellent point! Too many times we focus on just being able to get in.
yes the post are bolted to the floor. And the entry was not my biggest concern but rather trying to make a hasty escape through the rear if needed.
I wasn’t allowed to take photos from the inside (the occupants were a little less than accommodating with that request).
Any other questions let me know. Be safe!
Many FF’s dump their tool compliment with the exception of one tool while fire attack is still being conducted.
The posts above with regard to “Forcible Exit” are DEAD on. Very close comrade and friend dumped the can and only had his hook when he became trapped on the top floor of a rowframe apartment with fire on 3 sides of him. His words, “If I had the can I could have at least been able to get back to the apartment door and buy myself some more time.” He dumpes it once the line was in place. He was forced to jump from the third floor. Thankfully the TL basket was rising to meet him. His hook snapped in the child gates leaving him unarmed in the fight of his life. Keep your tools with you and ALWAYS have another way out from within or off the roof.
Will a donkey kick break through chain link fence? Or will we have to resort to the trusty old karate chop (be sure to wear a rubber glove while doing this for protection.)
We have a building in my area that has the same set up. If there is ever an event in the building, one one of the OV’s job is to take the glass / door and take the fence. Make it a priority to take that fence if possible.
OK folks, last time….There is NOTHING a donkey kick can’t cure!
Im Suprised…No one has said anything about the ambulance in the reflection in the 2nd pic.
They had something like this at the Mall of Georgia when the Vans skate park was there. They used chain link inside to seperate the different sections of the park, and some came close to the windows. You wouldn’t expect it unless you knew the building. K12 time!
It’s a sad day, we lost 2 brothers and 3 injured yesterday in Bridgeport Ct in a structure fire, may God bless them
What type of business is this? With the fence like that I wonder what other little suprises await us.
Most likely some sort of activity building for teens, possibly an indoor skate park. The fence is likely used to prevent damage to the glass from inside, never the less could pose a serious problem to crews needing to rapidly escape. Nice find guys way to get out and know your area.
its a video store!