What should you look for before beginning overhaul operations?

Before commencing overhaul operations, it is crucial to identify evidence of what caused the fire. Understanding the fire's origin helps determine the appropriate measures needed for safety and prevention of re-ignition, and provides insight into the fire's behavior and spread. By knowing what led to the incident, firefighters can implement strategies to prevent similar occurrences in the future and ensure that the site is safe for both personnel and community.

The other options, while important, do not provide the foundational understanding needed to manage the fire scene effectively during overhaul. Assessing structural integrity and identifying smoke damage are necessary steps for safety and condition evaluation, but these evaluations follow the crucial understanding of the fire's causative factors. Similarly, while recognizing the presence of hazardous materials is vital for safety, knowing the fire's origin is foundational before addressing such concerns.