During what phase of fire suppression is overhaul performed?

Overhaul is performed after the fire has been extinguished to ensure that all smoldering materials and hotspots are addressed to prevent rekindling. This phase involves thoroughly searching the fire area to find and extinguish any remaining embers or hidden pockets of fire, assessing the damage, and systematically removing debris to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the incident.

Completing this task efficiently is crucial for the safety of both the firefighting team and the occupants of the building, as any overlooked embers can flare up and reignite the fire, potentially leading to further damage or injury. Additionally, the overhaul process contributes to gathering information about the cause of the fire, which can be important for reports and investigations.

The timing of overhaul is critical, as conducting it before the fire is fully controlled may put firefighters in danger, and it is not typically part of the immediate response or incident command setup. Therefore, performing overhaul after extinguishment is essential for effective fire control and safety.