What must be considered before breaching a wall?

When considering breaching a wall, understanding whether it is a load-bearing structure is crucial. Load-bearing walls are integral to the structural integrity of a building; they support the weight of the roof, floors, and other elements above. If a load-bearing wall is breached without adequate planning or support, it can lead to significant structural failure, posing risks to the safety of firefighters and occupants inside.

Prior to breaching any wall, firefighters must evaluate if the wall carries loads, as this will determine the necessary precautions and supports needed during the breaching process. Additional considerations like the materials of the wall, the size of the opening, and the height of the wall are indeed important, but they become secondary to the primary concern about whether the wall is load-bearing. Ensuring the structural integrity is the first step in safely executing a wall breach.