Car Hoods, what is the easiest way to open melted car hood?

We've all come upon car fires that the latch on the front of the hood is melted and apart from giving the hood a good yank (which sometimes works) what is the easiest way to open it?

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Permalink Reply by John Rulli Jr. on February 24, 2009 at 1:27am

We got called out on a structure fire in the middle of me writen this. Got canceled. Anyhew Once the fire is knocked down then force the hood open and finish overhaul.

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Permalink Reply by Scottie on February 25, 2009 at 7:18pm

We will put the majority of the fire out first by hitting it from underneath, then using the rescue saw, cut through the hood on a 45degree angle above the hinges, the hood will then come off looking like a triangle, quick and easy. It saves getting the jaws and spreaders out!

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Permalink Reply by Chad Furr on February 25, 2009 at 7:44pm

ok i am new here and wanna clear something up. when you are talking "pierceing tool" you mean the one you would use on the roof area?

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Betz on February 25, 2009 at 9:35pm

Start with the halligan / axe combo, while that is happening, our operator grabs our battery operated sawzall. If we have to, we just cut the receiver of the latch and open the thing up. Usually pretty easy. We've found jaws and k12's to be a little overkill; however, sure is fun.