1. Salvage, Overhaul, and Fire Cause Determination
Chapter 20
Salvage, Overhaul, and Fire Cause Determination

2. Introduction
Salvage and overhaul operations are not viewed as critical tasks.
During the fire attack, firefighters can watch for signs and conditions to assist fire investigator.
The chapter explains reasons for and importance of salvage, overhaul, and fire cause determination.

3. Salvage Tools, Equipment, and Maintenance
Fire incidents have a potential loss of material goods.
Scene “triage”
Basic premise of salvage operations is to remove harmful atmosphere from material.
Use proper tools.
Some operations require complex equipment.

4. (A) Good and (B) bad salvage operations.

5. Salvage Covers Mainstay of salvage operations
Several different materials
Plastics covers
Canvas covers
Knife or scissors to cut desired length

6. Firefighter carrying Visqueen roll.

7. Floor Runner Lightweight canvas-type material Protects the floor
Important not to damage floors unnecessarily
Customer service makes the difference

8. Floor runner in place.

9. Water Vacuum Two basic types: Backpack cannot be worn with SCBAs.
On wheels
Backpack cannot be worn with SCBAs.
Used to drain catch-alls
Limited capacity
Another option is a pump.

10. Miscellaneous Salvage Tools
Some other tools
Hammer
Nails
Staple guns
Visqueen
Doors and windows secured
Salvage covers

11. Maintenance of Salvage Tools and Equipment
After use, tools must be cleaned and inspected.
Tools often exposed to hazardous materials
Reimbursement
Do not allow debris to spill from salvage cover.
Loose fold and roll

12. Loose fold and roll.

13. Salvage Cover Folds and Rolls
Covers
Rolled
Folded
Available compartment space dictates method
Two firefighters are needed to roll a cover.
Fold cover neatly like a bed sheet.

14. Salvage Operations Safety considerations Sprinkling heads
Protecting material goods
Arranging of furnishings
Water removal
Post indicator valve and outside screw (stem) and yoke valve

15. Salvage Operations (cont.)
Sprinkler stops
Use sprinkler stops if no valves can be located.
Importance of salvage operations
Can be as important as any actions performed on emergency scene
Make something good out of a bad situation.
Preserve as much property as possible.

16. Overhaul Tools, Equipment, and Operations
Process of overhaul
Tools used for overhaul built for following tasks:
Tearing into building
Cutting through floors
Pulling ceilings
Searching for hidden fires

17. Common Tools Common overhaul tools: Pike poles Pitchforks
Rubbish hooks
Shovels
Axes
Chain saws
Carry-alls
Wheelbarrows

18. Carry-All 1.8 metre square (6-foot-square) piece of heavy canvas
Rope strung through grommets
Used to carry debris out of building
Used where wheelbarrows cannot be taken

19. Operations
After fire investigation, overhaul investigations can begin.
Hidden fire
Thermal imaging cameras
Wooden structural members
Insulation

20. Overhauling Roofs Long process Multiple roofs
Pitched roof may be built over flat roof.
Creates two attic spaces
Overhaul nightmare

21. Electronic Heat Sensors
Relatively new way to check for hotspots
Determine where heat is higher compared to surrounding areas
Alerting mechanisms differ
Some used to find people

22. (A)
(B)
(A) Helmet with thermal imaging camera attached. (B) Firefighter using a handheld thermal imaging camera.

23. Revisits of the Involved Structure
Important to revisit scene
Wise to make additional checks
Two hours after last company leaves and again within 10 hours
Next shift
Fire watch

24. Debris Removal Removing debris Loose material
Place material in a pile and lightly hose down.
Cover debris with Visqueen.

25. The Importance of the Overhaul Operations
Customer service aspects:
Hidden fires
Limit amount of uncovered debris
Leave building in a safe state
Overhaul work is often the only thing owners get to see the result of.
Make sure overhaul work is in concert with fire investigator.

26. Fire Cause Determination Concerns
Possible clues as to how the fire started
Firefighters should listen to the reported information.
During response, additional information may be gathered by questioning.
Firefighters must ensure that investigator pre-approves removal of any part of structure.

27. Preservation of Evidence
Items that seem out of the ordinary
Leave items where they are found.
Protect and preserve area.
Cordon off area.
Compromised evidence and areas
Legal actions

28. Basics of Point of Origin Determination
Scientific pursuit
Scientific approach
Path of least resistance
Fire’s starting point
Depth of char
Damage can be influenced by many factors.

29. V pattern in a structure fire.

30. Depth of char.

31. Lessons Learned Salvage and overhaul duties are vital.
Salvage and overhaul have a direct impact on success of incident.
These duties are a great customer service for the homeowner, even if they are never recognized.