What should firefighters do during overhaul operations after a challenging fire?

During overhaul operations after a challenging fire, wearing a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) until the atmosphere is cleared is critical for maintaining safety. Firefighters are often exposed to hazardous conditions, including smoke, toxic gases, and potentially harmful particulates that may linger even after the flames have been extinguished.

Using SCBA ensures that firefighters are protected from inhaling these dangerous substances during the overhaul phase, which involves searching for hidden hotspots and ensuring that the fire is completely out. The risk of exposure to residual smoke and contaminants necessitates the continued use of SCBA until air quality testing confirms that the environment is safe for removal of respiratory protection.

Thus, the emphasis on maintaining safety by using SCBA reflects the best practices and protocols in firefighting, as the health and safety of firefighters remain paramount during all phases of fire response, including recovery and assessment.