What is entailed in the "overhaul" phase of firefighting?

The overhaul phase of firefighting is crucial for ensuring that all remnants of a fire have been thoroughly addressed, preventing rekindling and ensuring safety. During this phase, firefighters meticulously search for and extinguish hidden fires, which may be smoldering in areas not immediately visible, such as behind walls, under floors, or within furnishings. This process ensures that all potential hotspots are identified and extinguished.

The goal of overhaul is to confirm that the fire is completely out, thereby safeguarding the structure and individuals from the risk of reignition. This phase often involves careful examination and manipulation of materials at the scene, using tools to access concealed areas and ensure a thorough inspection is conducted.

While other phases mentioned, such as setting up the fire line, assessing potential fire hazards, or conducting post-incident analysis, are important components of fire management, they do not specifically address the central goal of the overhaul phase, which focuses on the definitive extinguishment of any residual fire threats.