0. Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5th Edition
Chapter 17 — Loss Control
Firefighter I

1. Chapter 17 Lesson Goal
After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to perform loss control operations following the policies and procedures set forth by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
Firefighter I

2. Specific Objectives 1. Explain the philosophy of loss control.
2. Discuss planning and procedures for salvage operations.
3. Describe salvage covers, salvage cover maintenance, and equipment used in salvage operations.
(Continued)
Firefighter I

3. Specific Objectives
4. Summarize basic principles of salvage cover deployment.
5. Summarize methods used to catch and route water from fire fighting operations and cover openings using salvage.
6. Discuss overhaul operations.
(Continued)
Firefighter I

4. Specific Objectives 7. Describe tools and equipment used in overhaul.
8. Discuss fire safety during overhaul.
9. Discuss locating hidden fires.
10. Summarize the overhaul process.
(Continued)
Firefighter I

5. Specific Objectives
11. Clean, inspect, and repair a salvage cover. (Skill Sheet 17-I-1)
12. Roll a salvage cover for a one-firefighter spread. (Skill Sheet 17-I-2)
13. Spread a rolled salvage cover – One-firefighter method. (Skill Sheet 17-I-3)
(Continued)
Firefighter I

6. Specific Objectives
14. Fold a salvage cover for a one-firefighter spread. (Skill Sheet 17-I-4)
15. Spread a folded salvage cover – One-firefighter method. (Skill Sheet 17-I-5)
16. Fold a salvage cover for a two-firefighter spread. (Skill Sheet 17-I-6)
(Continued)
Firefighter I

7. Specific Objectives
17. Spread a folded salvage cover – Two-firefighter balloon throw. (Skill Sheet 17-I-7)
18. Construct a water chute without pike poles. (Skill Sheet 17-I-8)
19. Construct a water chute with pike poles. (Skill Sheet 17-I-9)
Firefighter I

8. Specific Objectives 20. Construct a catchall. (Skill Sheet 17-I-10)
21. Locate and extinguish hidden fires. (Skill Sheet 17-I-11)
Firefighter I

9. Philosophy of Loss Control
Minimize damage and provide customer service through effective mitigation and recovery efforts
Builds goodwill
(Continued)
Firefighter I

10. Salvage and Overhaul Most effective means of loss control
Restoration of the property
Firefighter I

11. Salvage
Operations that aid in reducing primary and secondary damage during fire fighting
Primary damage is caused by the fire
Secondary damage is caused by fire suppression activities
(Continued)
Firefighter I

12. Salvage
Both primary and secondary damage can be minimized through salvage
Some damages cannot be avoided
Starts as soon as adequate personnel are available
May be done simultaneously with fire attack
Firefighter I

13. Overhaul
Consists of operations involved in searching for and extinguishing hidden or remaining fires
Protecting the scene and preserving evidence are components of overhaul
(Continued)
Firefighter I

14. Overhaul If possible, do not start overhaul operations until
Fire is under control
Fire cause has been determined
Evidence has been identified and protected
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15. Salvage
Methods and operating procedures by which firefighters attempt to save property and reduce further damage
Removing property
Covering property
Other means
(Continued)
Firefighter I

16. Salvage Proper salvage operations Early planning
Knowing the procedures
Being familiar with tools and equipment
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17. Planning for Salvage Operations
Efficient operations require planning and training
SOPs should be developed
(Continued)
Firefighter I

18. Planning for Salvage Operations
Preincident plans
High-value contents
Residential occupancies
Commercial occupancies
Work with loss-control representatives
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19. Salvage Procedures
Operations can be started at same time as fire attack
Group building contents into compact piles
(Continued)
Firefighter I

20. Salvage Procedures Group household furnishings in center of the room
Raise furniture off wet floors
(Continued)
Firefighter I

21. Salvage Procedures Commercial occupancies present special challenges
(Continued)
Firefighter I

22. Salvage Procedures
Large quantities of water can be removed by a variety of methods
Water may ruin finishes; wipe off surfaces
Firefighter I

23. Salvage Covers Made of waterproof canvas materials
Manufactured in various sizes
Have reinforced corners and edge hems
(Continued)
Firefighter I

24. Salvage Covers Synthetic covers Some covers may be disposable
Lightweight
Easy to handle
Economical
Indoor and outdoor use
Some covers may be disposable
Firefighter I

25. Salvage Cover Maintenance
Proper cleaning, drying, and repairing increases service life
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Firefighter I

26. Salvage Cover Maintenance
Canvas salvage covers
Wetting or rinsing with hose stream and scrubbing with a broom
Detergent solution if needed
Don’t let dry when dirty
Should be completely dry before being folded and placed in service
(Continued)
Firefighter I

27. Salvage Cover Maintenance
Synthetic salvage covers
Do not require as much maintenance as canvas
May be folded wet
Usually better to let dry first
After salvage covers are dry, examine for damage
(Continued)
Firefighter I

28. Salvage Cover Maintenance
Look up at the underside to locate holes
Mark holes with chalk or marking pen
Repair holes
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29. Salvage Equipment
Should be located in a readily accessible area on apparatus
SOPs dictate where equipment is carried and who performs operations
(Continued)
Firefighter I

30. Salvage Equipment Keep smaller tools/equipment in a salvage toolbox
Plastic tub may be used for supplies
Firefighter I

31. Typical Salvage Equipment
Electrician’s pliers
Sidecutters
Various chisels
Tin snips
Tin roof cutter
Adjustable wrenches
Pipe wrenches
Hammer(s)
Sledgehammer
Hacksaw
Crosscut handsaw
Heavy-duty stapler and staples
Linoleum knife
Wrecking bar
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Firefighter I

32. Typical Salvage Equipment
Padlock and hasp
Hinges
Screwdriver(s)
Battery-operated power tools
Hydraulic jack
Assortment of nails
Assortment of screws
Plastic sheeting
Wooden laths
Wooden wedges
Soft wood plugs
Sawdust
(Continued)
Firefighter I

33. Typical Salvage Equipment
Mops
Squeegees
Scoop shovels
Brooms
Mop buckets with wringers
Automatic sprinkler kit
Water vacuum
Submersible pump and discharge hose
Sponges
Chamois
Paper towels
Assortment of rags
(Continued)
Firefighter I

34. Typical Salvage Equipment
100-foot (30 m) length of electrical cable
Pigtail ground adapters
Approved ground fault interruption device
Salvage covers
J-Hooks
S-hooks
Floor runners
Duct tape
Plastic bags
Cardboard boxes
Styrofoam™ blocks
Rope
Bungee cords
Firefighter I

35. Equipment Descriptions
Automatic sprinkler kit
Needed for buildings protected by automatic sprinkler systems
Used to stop flow of water from an open sprinkler
(Continued)
Firefighter I

36. Equipment Descriptions
Carryalls — Used to carry debris, catch falling debris, and provide a water basin for immersing small burning objects
(Continued)
Firefighter I

37. Equipment Descriptions
Floor runners — Protect floor coverings; lightweight, tough, heat and water resistant, easy to maintain
(Continued)
Firefighter I

38. Equipment Descriptions
Dewatering devices
Used to remove water from basements, elevator shafts, and sumps
Should not use fire department pumpers
Trash-type pumps are best for salvage
Use a jet-siphon device or submersible pump for removal of excess water
(Continued)
Firefighter I

39. Equipment Descriptions
Water vacuum — Used to dewater floors, carpets, other areas where water is not deep enough to be picked up by submersible pump or siphon ejector
(Continued)
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40. Equipment Descriptions
J-hooks — Driven into walls or wooden framing to provide a strong point from which to hang things
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41. Equipment Descriptions
S-hooks — Used for the same purpose as J-hooks but cannot be driven into walls or framing; must have a horizontal ledge
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42. One-Firefighter Spread with a Rolled Salvage Cover
One person can quickly unroll a cover
May be carried on the shoulder or under the arm
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43. One-Firefighter Spread with a Folded Salvage Cover
Two firefighters are needed to make fold
May be carried in any manner
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44. Two-Firefighter Spread with a Folded Salvage Cover
Large salvage covers cannot be easily handled by a single firefighter
Carry this fold on the shoulder with open edges next to neck
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Firefighter I

45. Two-Firefighter Spread with a Folded Salvage Cover
Position cover so carrier can grab lower pair of corners and second firefighter can grab uppermost pair
(Continued)
Firefighter I

46. Two-Firefighter Spread with a Folded Salvage Cover
Balloon throw is most common method for deployment
(Continued)
Firefighter I

47. Using Chutes: Removing Water
Practical way to remove water that comes through the ceiling from upper floor
May be constructed on floor below fire fighting operations
(Continued)
Firefighter I

48. Using Chutes: Removing Water
Prepared chutes are approximately 10 feet (3 m) long
Chutes can be constructed from plastic sheeting, a heavy-duty stapler, and duct tape
Firefighter I

49. Using Chutes: Constructing a Catchall
Constructed from a salvage cover placed on the floor to hold small amounts of water
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Firefighter I

50. Using Chutes: Constructing a Catchall
Temporarily control large amounts of water
Place into position as soon as possible
Usually requires two people
Firefighter I

51. Splicing Covers Used when: Splice covers with watertight joints
Objects/groupings are large
Long chutes or catchalls need to be made
Splice covers with watertight joints
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Firefighter I

52. Splicing a Chute to a Catchall
Method of removing accumulated water should be prepared
Submersible pumps may be used
Water chute spliced to the catchall
Firefighter I

53. Covering Openings One of final parts of salvage operations
Prevents damage by weather
(Continued)
Firefighter I

54. Covering Openings Cover doors/windows Cover openings in roofs
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55. Overhaul
Operations conducted once main body of fire has been extinguished
Searching for and extinguishing hidden or remaining fire
Placing building and contents in safe condition
(Continued)
Firefighter I

56. Overhaul
Operations conducted once main body of fire has been extinguished
Determining fire cause
Recognizing and preserving evidence of arson
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57. Safety During Overhaul
Steps required
Inspecting premises
Developing operational plan
Providing tools and equipment
Eliminating or mitigating hazards
(Continued)
Firefighter I

58. Safety During Overhaul
Toxic gases
Common and dangerous threat during overhaul
Wear appropriate PPE, including respiratory protection
(Continued)
Firefighter I

59. Safety During Overhaul
Other hazards are present, such as fire-weakened floors
Mark or barricade hazardous areas
Use gloves and eye protection
(Continued)
Firefighter I

60. Safety During Overhaul
Physical conditioning and correct lifting are necessary
Fatigue is preventable cause of injury
Firefighter I

61. Overhaul Tools and Equipment
Pike poles and plaster hooks
Axes
Prying tools
Power saws, drills, and screwdrivers
(Continued)
Firefighter I

62. Overhaul Tools and Equipment
Carryall, buckets, and tubs
Shovels, bale hooks, and pitchforks
Thermal imaging camera
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63. Supervision of Overhaul
By a supervisor/officer not directly engaged in overhaul tasks
Fire investigator should be involved
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64. Fire Safety During Overhaul
Size of charged hoselines in overhaul may not be the same
Disconnecting fire apparatus from hydrants
Departmental SOPs may dictate one supply line left in place
(Continued)
Firefighter I

65. Fire Safety During Overhaul
Attack lines used for overhaul are typically 1½ inch (38 mm) or 1¾ inch (45 mm)
Water fire extinguishers or booster hoses may be used for small fires
One attack line should be available
(Continued)
Firefighter I

66. Fire Safety During Overhaul
Place nozzle so it will not cause additional damage
Do not allow water damage from leaking hoselines
Use a 100-foot (30 m) hoseline as the first section on attack lines
Firefighter I

67. Overhaul Safety Considerations
Maintain situational awareness
Work in teams of two or more
Maintain awareness of exit routes
Maintain a RIC
(Continued)
Firefighter I

68. Overhaul Safety Considerations
Monitor personnel for rehab
Beware of hidden gas or electrical utilities
Continue using accountability system
Firefighter I

69. Locating Hidden Fires
Before starting a search, evaluate the condition of the area
Factors that affect condition of the building
Intensity of the fire
Amount of water used for control
Firefighter I

70. Indicators of Loss of Structural Integrity
Weakened floors
Concrete that has spalled
Weakened steel roof members
Walls offset
Weakened roof trusses
Mortar in wall joints opened
(Continued)
Firefighter I

71. Indicators of Loss of Structural Integrity
Wall ties holding veneer/curtain walls melted
Heavy storage on mezzanines or upper floors
Water pooled on upper floors
Large quantities of wet insulation
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72. Detecting Hidden Fires
Sight
Touch
Sound
Electronic sensors
Firefighter I

73. Overhaul Procedures Begins in the area of most severe fire involvement
Looking for fire extension should begin as soon as possible after fire is declared under control
Systematically carried out
(Continued)
Firefighter I

74. Overhaul Procedures
If fire extended to other areas, path must be determined
When floor beams are burned at ends or where they enter a party wall, flush the voids in the wall with water
(Continued)
Firefighter I

75. Overhaul Procedures
Check far side of the wall to see if fire or water has come through.
Thoroughly check insulation materials
Firefighter I

76. Understanding Basic Building Construction
Assists firefighters in searching for hidden fires
Windows or doors
Fire may remain within frames or casings
Open these areas to ensure complete extinguishment
(Continued)
Firefighter I

77. Building Construction and Overhaul
When fire has burned around combustible roof or cornice, open cornice and inspect for hidden fires
Balloon construction — Check the attic and basement for fire extension
(Continued)
Firefighter I

78. Building Construction and Overhaul
Opening concealed spaces
Move the furnishings of the room to locations where they will not be damaged
Consider electrical wiring, gas piping, or plumbing
Make neat, planned openings to ensure extinguishment and facilitate restoration
(Continued)
Firefighter I

79. Building Construction and Overhaul
Ceilings may be opened from below using a pike pole or other tool
The plaster must first be broken on some ceilings
When pulling a ceiling, do not stand directly under area to be opened
(Continued)
Firefighter I

80. Building Construction and Overhaul
Always position body between area being pulled and doorway to keep exit route from being blocked
Always wear full protective clothing, including eye and respiratory protection
(Continued)
Firefighter I

81. Building Construction and Overhaul
Small burning objects
Submerge entire objects in containers of water
Bathtubs, sinks, lavatories, wash tubs
Remove larger furnishings to the outside
(Continued)
Firefighter I

82. Building Construction and Overhaul
Scorched or partially burned articles may prove helpful to an investigator
Use of wetting agents such as Class A foam is valuable
Cotton, upholstery, and baled goods
Must break bales of rags, cotton, hay apart
Firefighter I

83. Summary
Customer service is the core of everything that fire departments do. Loss control is an important component of fire department service delivery and is but one aspect of customer-service opportunities.
(Continued)
Firefighter I

84. Summary
Salvage and overhaul operations are two of the most effective means of loss control.
Planning, procedures, and equipment are essential for effective loss-control operations.
Firefighter I

85. Review Questions
1. What is the difference between salvage and overhaul?
2. List five items used in salvage operations.
3. How can water be removed from fire fighting operations using salvage covers?
(Continued)
Firefighter I

86. Review Questions 4. When should overhaul start?
5. List three indicators of possible loss of structural integrity.
6. What are visual indicators of hidden fires.
(Continued)
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87. Review Questions 7. What sounds may indicate a hidden fire?
8. Where does overhaul typically begin?
Firefighter I