What is a primary concern when conducting overhaul at a fire scene?

A primary concern during the overhaul phase of firefighting is to ensure that all flames are completely extinguished and to prevent rekindling. Overhaul involves systematically searching for hidden fires that may not be visible or accessible, which can occur in areas such as wall spaces, ceilings, and under floors. If these smoldering materials are not adequately addressed, the risk of rekindling, where the fire reignites after it appears to be extinguished, increases significantly.

Thoroughly extinguishing any remaining hotspots is crucial as it helps to protect both the firefighting personnel and the property from further damage. It also contributes to the overall safety of the area, ensuring that the fire does not flare up unexpectedly. This focus on complete extinguishment embodies the critical responsibility firefighters have to not only bring a fire under control but also to secure the scene fully before declaring it safe.

While finding injured civilians, cleaning up debris, and documenting the scene are also important tasks in the context of firefighting operations, they do not take precedence over the imperative of extinguishing any remaining fire hazards during the overhaul process.