Fire Axe
There are several uses for an axe on the fireground. The obvious ones are striking and chopping, but axes can also be used as a door chock to keep a door from closing, a wedge during forcible entry to “hold” a position while the Halligan is repositioned, or a “spacer” between a door frame and the jaw of hydraulic forcible entry tools to get an extra inch of spread.
The Proper Usage of Fire Axe
For those who may not possess the pure strength necessary to repeatedly smash holes in roof surfaces, accurate cutting results in fewer swings and more efficient work. The key to accurate cutting is learning how to properly swing the axe. Most of the effort should be used to get the axe into position over your head. The axe should be raised with one hand near the axe head and one hand at the base of the handle. As you begin the forward swing over your head, the hand at the top of the tool should slide down the handle toward the back hand.
As you repeat this procedure, try to strike the roof in the same place with each stroke. Imagine a line that you would like to follow and raise and swing the axe again. Most firefighters lose their accuracy as they attempt to swing harder. By practicing accuracy first, most firefighters are able to pick up the speed required to make their cuts. The harder you “pull,” the faster the axe moves, so be careful to not lose your accuracy.
On walkable roofs–those that are either flat or with the 4/12 pitch common on ranch style and bi-level homes–most firefighters are comfortable swinging an axe because, due to the low pitch, they are able to stand upright and balance with little effort. Once we move beyond the 4/12 pitch, balance becomes an issue and swinging becomes more difficult. Many firefighters will now kneel or, if possible, straddle the ridge in order to maintain their balance. Some will keep both legs bent under and behind them while some will use a straight leg to brace themselves as they swing. Firefighters should practice both methods to decide which is most comfortable and gives them the greatest efficiency.
Firefighters should carefully practice swinging the axe with their “off” hand, because sometimes, due to construction features or the swing of a door, a traditional or preferred stance will not be possible. Firefighters should also practice swinging the axe in an upward motion, striking a Halligan, to simulate forcing the hinges on a door. This is an awkward operation and should not be attempted for the first time on the fireground.
