News
Most Read
Most E-mailed
E-mail Article
Print Article
Firefighters Get New Tool To Open Locked Doors
A Hydra-Ram, a tool designed to help firefighters enter "all types" of locked doors in burning buildings, is expected to arrive in the next few weeks at stations throughout Pittsburgh.
The Pittsburgh Fire Bureau will buy 17 of them, thanks to a $25,000 grant from Allied Insurance Brokers Inc. of the North Side and the Fireman's Fund Insurance Co. of Novato, Calif.
Known as a "forcible entry tool," it is described as a "self-contained hydraulic spreader that can be used by one person." When its handle is pumped, it can quickly spread open a locked door.
"It causes minimal damage to a door," said Assistant Fire Chief James Crawford. "A locksmith should be able to repair it."