When conducting overhaul operations, what is a primary concern?

In the context of overhaul operations, ensuring firefighter safety is of paramount importance. This phase of firefighting occurs after the main fire has been suppressed, but it still presents various hazards. Structural integrity may be compromised, hot spots can remain, and toxic smoke and gases might still be present. Firefighters must remain vigilant to identify any potential risks, such as hidden fires that could reignite, falls from unstable surfaces, or exposure to hazardous materials.

Prioritizing safety allows firefighters to operate effectively without incurring injuries, enabling them to perform a thorough overhaul of the affected area, ensuring that all remnants of fire are extinguished and preventing future flare-ups. While factors such as minimizing smoke damage, maintaining public access, and speeding up the cleanup process are also important, they are secondary to the overarching need for ensuring the safety of the personnel on the scene.