A Hydra-Ram, a tool designed to help firefighters enter "all types" of locked doors in burning buildings, is expected to arrive in the next few weeks at stations throughout the city.

The Pittsburgh Fire Bureau will buy 17 of them, thanks to a $25,000 grant from Allied Insurance Brokers Inc. of the North Side and the Fireman's Fund Insurance Co. of Novato, Calif.

Known as a "forcible entry tool," it is described as a "self-contained hydraulic spreader that can be used by one person." When its handle is pumped, it can quickly spread open a locked door.

"It causes minimal damage to a door," said Assistant Fire Chief James Crawford. "A locksmith should be able to repair it."

He said the door openers the bureau uses now require two firefighters to operate them. He said one of the Hydra-Rams will be sent to the bureau's training academy on Washington Boulevard so all city fire companies can learn how to use it.

Chief Crawford said the Mars Volunteer Fire Company has a Hydra-Ram and that others are in use in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and other major cities.

The grant package is part of a nationwide philanthropic program funded by Fireman's Fund Insurance Co. that is designed to provide needed equipment, training and educational tools to local fire departments. Since 2004, the fund has issued more than $20 million in grants to more than 1,100 fire bureaus, companies and departments.

Executives from Fireman's Fund and Allied Insurance will present the check for $25,000 to Mayor Luke Ravenstahl at 11:30 a.m. today in the mayor's office in the City-County Building, Downtown. Fire Chief Darryl E. Jones will demonstrate how the tool is used.