10.2 Overhaul, Salvage & Building Utilities (JPR 4.3.13, 4.3.14)

10.2 Overhaul, Salvage & Building Utilities (JPR 4.3.13, 4.3.14)

Overhaul

Overhaul is the systematic search for and extinguishment of hidden fire after the main body of fire has been darkened down. Once the visible fire is out, crews open walls, ceilings, floors, and concealed spaces to find hot spots, ember beds, and fire extension that would otherwise rekindle. NFPA 1001 Firefighter I requires the candidate to overhaul a fire scene so that structural integrity is not compromised, all hidden fires are discovered, fire cause evidence is preserved, and the fire is extinguished.

Overhaul Sequence

1. Atmospheric monitoring: A Firefighter I does not perform the air quality interpretation, but must understand that SCBA remains on air until the atmosphere is cleared by ventilation and the Incident Commander or Safety Officer releases crews from respiratory protection.
2. Coordinate with command: Confirm the area is structurally stable and the fire is under control before opening concealed spaces.
3. Open from the top down: Start at the highest point of the fire area and work downward. Heat and fire gases rise, so hidden fire is most likely in the ceiling and upper wall spaces.
4. Use the right tool: Pike poles pull ceiling, axes and Halligans open walls, and rotary saws cut through dense materials. Open only what is necessary to find fire.
5. Pull and examine: Pull the ceiling or wall material down in manageable sections and examine the back of the pulled material for fire extension.
6. Apply water: Cool any hot spots with a straight stream or narrow fog. Avoid scattering the fire with a high-pressure straight stream.
7. Continue until cold: Keep opening, pulling, and cooling until no heat is detected. Use a thermal imaging camera (TIC) to confirm cold spots in walls, ceilings, and chases.

Preserve Fire Cause and Origin Evidence

The fire cause and origin area is generally located in the room of lowest burn pattern, near the point of ignition. Firefighters must preserve this evidence:

• Do not overhaul the area of suspected fire origin until the fire investigator has released it.
• Avoid disturbing burn patterns on the floor, walls, and contents.
• Do not move appliances, electrical outlets, or containers of accelerant from their original position.
• Preserve any containers, matches, or ignition sources in place; photograph them in their original location before disturbing.
• If evidence must be moved to extinguish hidden fire, document the original location and report it to the investigator.

Overhaul Safety

• SCBA: Wear SCBA on air until command releases respiratory protection. Smoke and gases during overhaul contain the highest concentrations of carcinogens.
• Structural collapse indicators: Cracks in walls, sagging beams, displaced floors, and leaning columns are signs of structural compromise. Stop overhaul and report immediately.
• Electrical hazards: Cut power at the main breaker before opening any wall that may contain energized wiring.
• Falls: Floors weakened by fire can give way. Sound the floor ahead of every move with a tool, and never overhaul alone.
• Hypodermic needles and weapons: Be aware of biohazards in residential and commercial occupancies. Wear structural gloves during overhaul.

Salvage

Salvage is the protection of property from water, smoke, and firefighter damage during and after the fire. The goal is to minimize property loss while still attacking the fire. NFPA 1001 Firefighter I requires the candidate to perform salvage activities to conserve property.

Salvage Techniques

• Salvage covers (tarps): Heavy canvas or vinyl tarps placed over furniture, equipment, and stock to protect them from water and falling debris. Covers are deployed before water damage occurs whenever possible.
• Catchalls: A salvage cover rolled at the edges and supported by chair legs or furniture to form a small basin that catches water running down walls or through ceilings.
• Channeling: A salvage cover rolled into a channel and run to a stairwell or window to direct water out of the building rather than into lower floors.
• Removal: Valuables, photographs, documents, electronics, and stock are removed to a safe area (often the apparatus or a designated safe zone) before water damage occurs.
• Floor runners: Salvage covers or runners are placed on floors to protect finished surfaces from firefighter boots and equipment.

Salvage Sequence

1. Identify the most valuable or vulnerable contents in the fire area and the floor below.
2. Deploy covers on furniture and stock before water application when possible.
3. Build catchalls at the base of walls and around ceiling fixtures.
4. Channel water away from contents and toward the building drains or exterior.
5. Remove valuables to a safe area, with documentation of the original location.
6. Coordinate with the property owner and command before removing any items.

Building Utilities Control

A Firefighter I must be able to control building utilities (gas, electric, and water) at a fire scene. Utility control is performed early in the operation to prevent fire extension, electrocution, and gas-fed fire.

Gas Service

Natural gas is shut off at the meter using a meter key or crescent wrench on the valve at the inlet side of the meter. The valve is turned one quarter turn so the lug is perpendicular to the pipe (cross-threaded). The valve is open when the lug is parallel to the pipe.

• Propane (LPG) systems are shut off at the tank valve, which is turned clockwise until closed.
• After shut-off, the gas company must respond to restore service. Firefighters must never restore gas service themselves.

Electrical Service

Electrical service is shut off at the main breaker in the service panel. The main breaker is flipped to the OFF position. If the panel is not accessible, the meter is pulled only by a qualified utility worker or under the specific direction of command. Firefighters must never pull a meter themselves unless trained and authorized.

• Solar panels and backup batteries can keep circuits energized even after the main breaker is off. Treat all electrical wiring as energized unless confirmed de-energized by a qualified person.
• Downed power lines are treated as energized and kept at least 10 feet (3 meters) clear until the utility company confirms they are de-energized.

Water Service

Water service is shut off at the building control valve (often near the water heater or in the basement) or at the curb box (the street shutoff). The curb box requires a long key tool and is typically operated by the water department or a qualified firefighter.

• Firefighters shut off building water control to prevent flooding from damaged interior pipes.
• Sprinkler systems are not shut off during a fire. The fire department connection (FDC) is used to supplement sprinkler flow, and the system is shut off only after the fire is declared under control and command orders the system shut down.