Which tools are known as 'the irons' in firefighting?

Which tools are known as 'the irons' in firefighting?

• A. Flat-head axe & Halligan
• B. Halligan & Pry bar
• C. Axe & Sledgehammer
• D. Pry bar & Crowbar

Answer: (A)

The irons are the pair used for forcible entry: a flat-head axe and the Halligan bar. The Halligan is a multipurpose pry tool with a fork, adze, and pick, designed to lever, pry, and break through around doors, hinges, and locks. The flat-head axe provides the heavy cutting and striking power to breach materials and create openings. Together, they form a coordinated set that lets firefighters quickly gain entry by prying and cutting as needed. Other tool combinations exist, but the canonical irons specifically refer to the flat-head axe paired with the Halligan.