Why should you maintain the integrity of the door during forcible entry?

Maintaining the integrity of the door during forcible entry is important primarily because it preserves evidence. When a door is forced open, the method of entry can be critical in determining how a fire started, especially in investigations related to potential arson or other criminal activities. By keeping the door intact as much as possible, investigators can analyze the door and the surrounding area for signs of forced entry or the fire's cause. This evidence can lead to important insights about the incident, which is vital in legal and insurance matters.

While preserving evidence aligns with ensuring a thorough investigation, other aspects such as preventing fire spread and ensuring occupant safety are also significant but do not directly relate to the question of door integrity. Moreover, facilitating easier repairs can be a secondary benefit of maintaining door integrity but is not the primary reason for doing so during forcible entry operations.