TFRD Procedures & Guides

C-75 Overhauling At Fire Scene

Emergency Manual

Date Revised: 01/08/2024

_{Last Modified: 09/27/2024 09:57}

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Policy/Procedure

1. Overhaul operations are those operations taken to completely extinguish a fire, to place the structure in a safe condition, and to aid in determining the cause of the fire. Overhaul may only require a few personnel for a short period of time or large numbers of personnel over an extended period of time and the utilization of relief crews. Heavy equipment may be required.

2. It is important that extensive overhaul not commence prior to an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. It is a balance of trying to preserve any potential evidence in regard to fatalities and/or arson while keeping the fire from extending and/or starting back up. Once the investigation is complete, overhaul should continue to ensure that the premises are left as safe as possible and that all fires are extinguished.

Overhaul shall be performed in appropriate PPE.
Fire personnel shall begin overhaul only after approval from the Fire Investigator or Command.
Fire personnel shall remove all partially burned materials that may rekindle.
Fire personnel shall check all concealed spaces for extension. In addition, thermal imaging cameras shall be utilized, though not solely relied upon.
Fire personnel shall preserve all evidence found after overhaul has begun and bring new discoveries or suspicions regarding the fire’s origin to the attention of Command or Fire Investigator.
Fire personnel shall secure the building as effectively as possible. Doors, windows, and roofs that were opened shall be secured or covered as needed and if possible.
Fire personnel only shall enter the fire building during overhaul.

NOTE: ‘Special Duty’ When a Fire Officer, allows an occupant to re enter and occupy the home or place of business, they have assumed a “special duty” for them. The owner or occupant has legal reason to believe they are safe due to the Fire Officer’s position as an “expert”. The Fire Officer assumes a measure of liability for their safety.