When controlling a door during interior fire attack, which side should you maintain control of to minimize fresh air?

When controlling a door during interior fire attack, which side should you maintain control of to minimize fresh air?

• A. Latch side
• B. Hinge side
• C. Top edge
• D. Bottom edge

Answer: (A)

Controlling the door from the latch side is key because that side gives you the leverage and immediate ability to keep the door closed and seal it against the frame. By maintaining control here, you can quickly shut or hold the door to limit ventilation, cutting off fresh air that feeds the fire. If you tried to control from the hinge side, the door can swing more freely and you’d have less ability to arrest its movement and restrict airflow, while grabbing top or bottom edges offers poor control and increases the chance of an uncontrolled door opening. Keeping control on the latch side helps you manage the door effectively and minimize air reaching the fire.