[Acidium01]

Also a volunteer firefighter here, if possible (and especially if not during an active structure fire) we try to keep property damage to a minimum. So it maybe that we could cause less damage to the door than breaking the window which is not always a guarantee. But always try (opening) before you pry (it open).

[bombcar]

Yeah, it's a tricky tradeoff - glass may be cheaper/easier to replace than a torn out lock or broken frame.

I guess if you worry about it you could always install the fireman's key box you see on commercial buildings.