Manchaca Fire / Rescue Probationary Firefighter Academy. Salvage and Overhaul. SFFMA Section 5: Salvage and Overhaul

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1 Manchaca Fire / Rescue Probationary Firefighter Academy Salvage and Overhaul SFFMA Section 5: Salvage and Overhaul

2 Loss Control Definition Salvage and overhaul operations are grouped together into the concept of loss control. Loss control is defined as steps taken to minimize damage and provide customer service through effective mitigation and recovery efforts before, during and after an incident. Loss control begins with the selection and execution of proper strategy and tactics in fire extinguishment. It then evolves into operations both during firefighting operations and after extinguishment that lessen the damage and impact of the fire event on the building and its contents. This is accomplished be limiting primary and secondary damage. Primary damage is the damage done by the fire itself. Secondary damage is damage done during fire suppression activities such as water damage. The ultimate goal is to prevent unnecessary damage caused by fire, water, smoke and weather. Note that the goal is to prevent unnecessary damage. Sometimes we must cause a limited amount of damage to prevent a larger problem from occurring (applying water into a wall to prevent fire spread).

3 Value of Salvage Operations When salvage is properly performed it helps builds goodwill within the community as well as giving firefighters a feeling of accomplishment. It also goes a long way in building a caring, efficient public image of the fire service and its personnel when the public sees that we take the extra effort to care for their belongings.

4 Salvage Procedures Identify what needs protection: What is the potential for damage / exposure Don t protect items that are already ruined Give priority to sensitive items (computers, important files, heirlooms, artwork) Salvage can often occur at the same time as fire attack Area below the fire (protecting against ceiling collapse and water damage) Areas adjacent to the fire area (removing items ahead of the fire or covering up items before opening up walls and ceilings to check for extension) One salvage cover will usually protect the contents of one residential room Furniture should be gathered in the center of the room with taller items toward the middle so water runs off instead of pooling in the middle. Items sitting on the floor could be damaged by water, using the wicking effect elevate if possible Use caution around high-piled storage Water-logged items may collapse

5 Salvage Procedures Various tools can be utilized to perform salvage operations. This list is not all-inclusive, a firefighters resourcefulness and creativity can result in additional tools and techniques being used than those listed here Squeegees Mops Buckets Water Vacuums Portable Pumps Floor Runners Catch-alls Plastic Sheeting Ply-wood Roofing Paper Hammer and Nails Brooms Carry-alls

6 Use of Salvage Covers Salvage Cover Roll One Firefighter Deployment Two Firefighter Deployment Building a Water Chute Building a Catchall Video Clip

7 Use of Salvage Covers Salvage Cover Roll One Firefighter Deployment Two Firefighter Deployment Building a Water Chute Building a Catchall Video Clip

8 Use of Salvage Covers Salvage Cover Roll One Firefighter Deployment Two Firefighter Deployment Building a Water Chute Building a Catchall Video Clip

9 Use of Salvage Covers Salvage Cover Roll One Firefighter Deployment Two Firefighter Deployment Building a Water Chute Building a Catchall Video Clip

10 Use of Salvage Covers Salvage Cover Roll One Firefighter Deployment Two Firefighter Deployment Building a Water Chute Building a Catchall Video Clip

11 Care of Salvage Covers Generally 2 types used in the fire service Water resistant canvas Vinyl Corners are reinforced and hems are located into which grommets are placed for hanging Typical sizes: 12x14 or 14x18

12 Care of Salvage Covers Proper cleaning, drying and repairing of reusable Salvage Covers prolongs their service life. Covers should be inspected by examining the cover from underneath, looking for light coming through holes and cuts. The locations should be marked and patches applied. Covers should be cleaned after use. They can either be swept clean or scrubbed with a mild soap and water solution depending on the degree of cleaning needed. Covers should be hung to dry before being folded and placed back in service.

13 Purpose of Overhaul Overhaul is performed once the fire is darkened down and control is declared. At this point firefighters make a close examination of the fire area to ensure that there are no hidden fires in the debris or void spaces in the structure. Another purpose of overhaul is to identify the point or area of origin and to preserve potential evidence as to the cause of the fire.

14 Overhaul Considerations Check for structural stability and hazards SCBA should be used until CO levels are confirmed to be below 50 ppm Thermal imaging cameras can help identify hot spots in debris, walls, floors, and ceilings Have a means to remove debris carryalls, buckets, scoop shovels LOOK for signs of heat damage FEEL walls and floors with back of hand for signs of heat LISTEN for fire and steam

15 Overhaul Considerations Start in the fire area Open voids until uncharred areas are revealed Check around window and door frames as well as baseboards Have means of extinguishment available for any fires that are discovered Consider use of Class A foam to help water penetrate fuel