Salvage & Overhaul

S.F.F.M.A. Basic - 6 hours

Class Objectives - SalvageClass Objectives - Salvage

• 5-1.1 The firefighter shall identify the purpose of salvage, and its value to the public and the fire department.

• 5-1.2 The firefighter, as an individual and as a member of a team, shall demonstrate folds and rolls of salvage covers.

Class Objectives - SalvageClass Objectives - Salvage

• 5-1.3 The firefighter, as an individual and as a member of a team, shall demonstrate salvage cover throws.

• 5-1.4 The firefighter shall demonstrate the techniques of inspection, cleaning, and maintaining salvage equipment.

Class Objectives - OverhaulClass Objectives - Overhaul

• 5-1.5 The firefighter shall identify the purpose of overhaul.

• 5-1.6 The firefighter shall demonstrate searching for hidden fires.

Class Objectives - OverhaulClass Objectives - Overhaul

• 5-1.7 The firefighter shall demonstrate exposure of hidden fires by opening ceilings, walls, floors, and pulling apart burned materials.

• 5-1.8 The firefighter shall demonstrate how to separate and remove charred material from unburned material.

• 5-1.9 The firefighter shall define duties of firefighters left at the scene for fire and security surveillance.

SalvageSalvage

Salvage operations consist of those methods and operating procedures allied to fire fighting that aid in reducing fire, water, and smoke damage during and after fires.

Why Salvage?Why Salvage?

• Saving property. That is why we are here!

• Reducing fire loss.

• Contents often have more value than the building components.

• Monetary & sentimental value.

• Some items can never be replaced.

• Outstanding public relations.

Great public relations!Great public relations!

Great public relations!Great public relations!

Great public relations!Great public relations!

Tools of the tradeTools of the trade• Full PPE, CO monitor, Eye protection, • Savage covers, floor runners, Squeegees.• Water scoops, mops, mop wringer with

bucket, water vacuum, sub-pump, sponges, rags, chamois,

• Automatic sprinkler kit• Roofing supplies, pad lock & hasp, nails,

screws, stapler & staples, tools, power tools.

Maintenance of equipmentMaintenance of equipment

• When done clean equipment with mild soap and water.

• Most tarps are plastic and disposable.

• The old canvas tarp took more maintenance. They were heavier – durable.

• Put all equipment back better than you found it.

How and whenHow and when• Salvage can be performed before

extinguishment or as it is occurring.

• Command might delay fire attack until salvage is occurring or complete. We need more manpower for this to happen.

• If there is an attic fire or fire on a second story, get a salvage crew in on the first floor or basement.

• Move all furniture into middle of room, put everything else on top of couch & chairs, then cover it all with tarps.

How and whenHow and when• Roll up area rugs

• Often we remove items if they are far enough away from the fire area.

• If necessary place tarp on top of everything, then place loose items on bed to protect the bed and dresser while attack operations are taking place.

OverhaulOverhaul

Overhaul is the practice of searching a fire scene to detect hidden fires or sparks which may rekindle and to note the possible point of origin and cause of fire.

Tools neededTools needed

• Full PPE & eye protection

• CO monitor

• Thermal camera

• Pike poles

• Plaster hooks

• Trash hooks

• Axe & prying tools

• Carryall, buckets, tubs

• Shovels, hooks, forks.

Tools neededTools needed

What to watch out forWhat to watch out for• Weakened floors and walls.

• Concrete that has spalled due to heat.

• Weakened steel roof members.

• Walls offset due to elongation of steel roof supports.

• Weakened roof trusses due to burn-through of key members.

What to look forWhat to look for• Discoloration of materials.

• Peeling paint.

• Smoke emissions from cracks.

• Cracked plaster.

• Dried wallpaper.

• Feel the walls with the back of your hand.

• Listen for popping and cracking.

• Use Thermal camera or heat detectors to find hot spots.

What to look forWhat to look for

Overhaul time!Overhaul time!• Get rehab and put your PPE back on.

• Expose all hot spots and make sure ALL of the fire is out.

• There should be nothing hot when companies clear the scene.

• Use caution not to disturb any possible evidence for the investigators.

• Properly identify any evidence.

• Smoldering contents can be removed for overhaul

Overhaul time!Overhaul time!• Hang hose out the window while

overhauling to reduce damage to building.

• Use smaller lines for this operation.

• Check window sills, door frames…places where fire might hide.

• Thoroughly check insulation, remove if needed.

• Load bearing members should not be disturbed.

• Post a lookout for firefighter safety.

Related picturesRelated pictures

Related picturesRelated pictures

Time to practice rolls & throws!