What is the primary role of a firefighter during overhaul operations?

The primary role of a firefighter during overhaul operations is to ensure all hot spots are extinguished. Overhaul is a critical phase in firefighting that occurs after the primary fire has been brought under control. During this phase, firefighters systematically search through the debris to locate and extinguish any remaining heat sources or embers that could reignite the fire. This prevents further damage and enhances safety for both the responding personnel and the public.

This role is vital because any undetected hot spots can lead to rekindling, posing significant risks. Effective overhaul requires thorough checks, often using thermal imaging cameras and hand tools to ensure that all potential fire sources have been addressed before declaring the scene safe.

While other options, such as documenting fire conditions or preparing the scene for investigation, are important activities within fire operations, they do not take precedence during the overhaul phase. Evacuations also fall under various operational protocols but are not specific to the overhaul role. The emphasis during this stage remains firmly on identifying and extinguishing all remaining hazards to prevent further incidents.