Abstract: Apparatus providing at least one high pressure fluid cutting jet and methods employing same. A gas generator powered by a combustible propellant supplies pressurized gas to propel a fluid through at least one nozzle to form a cutting jet suitable for cutting materials such as structural elements. Furthermore, nozzles may be configured to rotate in order to circumferentially sever a tubular structural element. Two or more fluid cutting jets may be configured to intersect, and may be configured to intersect proximate to at least a portion of the periphery of the tubular structural element to be severed.