What is one guideline for forcing a door to begin interior fire suppression?

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Controlling ventilation during interior fire suppression is crucial for safety and effectiveness. Keeping the door closed until the hoseline is charged and the crew is ready to enter helps limit the amount of fresh air reaching the fire, slowing its growth and reducing the risk of sudden changes like flashover or backdraft. It also allows the nozzle team to establish water flow and coordinate entry so that when the door opens, the fire is already being cooled and contained rather than being fed by an uncontrolled ventilation path.

Opening the door wide or lingering in the doorway before the line is ready would create a large ventilation path, feeding the fire and making conditions more dangerous. Opening the door for airflow before entry is also an uncontrolled tactic, and standing in the doorway exposes crew to heat and smoke while the fire shifts.