Test Your Knowledge on Property Conservation and Overhaul in Firefighting

12 Questions

What is the purpose of property conservation in fires?

To reduce property loss

What should fire departments do to educate the public about property conservation tactics?

Assign it to employees and fire brigades

When should sprinkler systems be controlled during a fire?

Only when necessary

How can larger-than-needed hose streams result in less water damage?

If they are properly applied

What should be the focus of efforts to control water damage?

The fire floor and floors below

What is the primary cause of property damage in fires?

Smoke damage

How many crews may need to be assigned for property conservation staffing needs?

It varies depending on the size of the area to be protected

What is the purpose of overhaul in firefighting?

To search for and extinguish hidden fires after the main fire has been put out

Why can overhaul be dangerous if not done in a well-planned, systematic manner?

It can lead to injuries and deteriorating fire scene discipline

What must firefighters wear during overhaul activities?

Full protective clothing, including breathing apparatus

What is the best practice for firefighters during the overhaul phase of firefighting?

To remain "on air" throughout the overhaul phase of the operation

What is the purpose of a fire watch during building ventilation?

To ensure the building is safe for reentry

Study Notes

Property conservation is important to reduce property loss in fires.
It is prioritized behind life safety and extinguishment, but can be conducted simultaneously.
Property conservation efforts are good for public relations.
Fire departments should educate the public about the purpose and importance of property conservation tactics.
Employees and fire brigades can be helpful in property conservation in commercial and industrial occupancies.
Property conservation is generally limited to offensive attacks.
A balance must be struck between necessary damage to stop the fire and minimizing fire-ground activities damage.
Sprinkler systems can cause secondary damage, and their control should be left to the system until necessary.
Larger-than-needed hose streams can result in less water damage if properly applied.
Efforts to control water damage are concentrated on the fire floor and floors below.
Water damage can cause considerable property damage, and it is important to address property conservation as soon as possible.
Water damage can cause structural failure and hazards, and it is important to clear floor drains and ensure standing water does not hide hazards.
The nature of commodities stored in a building can affect weight loading on the floor and increase collapse potential.
Salvage covers can be used to protect exposed property from water damage, and property should be moved away from natural flow paths.
Smoke damage often exceeds water damage, and ventilation tactics can prevent property damage.
Property conservation staffing needs vary, and several crews may need to be assigned depending on the size of the area to be protected.
Property conservation activities should not be delayed and should be assigned as soon as possible.
Overhaul is important to ensure the fire is completely extinguished and the building is safe for reentry.
Rushing to complete overhaul can lead to injuries and deteriorating fire scene discipline.
Toxic gas levels can remain present during overhaul operations.

Overhaul is a process of searching for and extinguishing hidden fires after the main fire has been put out.
Overhaul can be dangerous if not done in a well-planned, systematic manner.
A fully protected crew should be assigned as a fire watch while the building is being ventilated.
Full protective clothing, including breathing apparatus, must be worn during overhaul activities.
Opening walls and ceilings will expose smoky, toxic, smoldering debris.
Carbon monoxide meters or multiple gas meters are often used to determine when it is safe to remove the breathing apparatus face piece.
The best practice is to remain “on air” throughout the overhaul phase of the operation.
Ceilings and walls may contain asbestos or other harmful materials.
Firefighters inside the structure cannot remove their face pieces.
Rested firefighters can return to a much safer environment to complete the overhaul.