What does the term "overhaul" refer to in firefighting?

The term "overhaul" in firefighting primarily refers to the process of searching for hidden fire and ensuring that the area is adequately cooled down after suppression efforts have been made. This stage is crucial as it involves thorough inspections of the fire scene to detect and eliminate any remaining hot spots or embers that could reignite the fire.

Overhauling is vital for fire safety and property protection, as hidden fires can often be absorbed within structural elements such as walls, ceilings, or floors. Additionally, this phase includes the cooling down of these areas to prevent re-ignition and to secure the integrity of the structure. Proper overhaul practices can significantly influence the overall outcome of fire suppression efforts and the safety of the property and firefighters involved.

While securing equipment, removing debris, and documenting fire incident reports are all important in the firefighting and post-fire activities, they do not capture the specific focus of "overhaul," which centers around ensuring that no fire remains hidden or unchecked after the main firefighting operation has concluded.