Which tool is commonly used to breach a wall in firefighting?

The use of a sledgehammer or Halligan tool is essential for breaching walls during firefighting operations. These tools are designed for forcible entry and can effectively break through various materials like drywall, wood, and even some types of concrete. The sledgehammer delivers the force needed to create an opening, while the Halligan tool, with its prying capabilities, can help to further extract debris or create a larger breach.

In contrast, a chainsaw is generally used for cutting through vegetation, roofing, or other materials but is not typically the primary choice for wall breaches in structural firefighting. A fire extinguisher is meant for suppressing flames, not for breaching walls, and a torch is primarily used for heating or cutting through metals, which is not practical for interior wall breaches. Hence, the combination of a sledgehammer and Halligan tool provides the ideal solution for accessing areas within a structure during emergencies.