How Firefighters Confirm a Fire is Completely Out

Fighting a fire is a complex and labor-intensive process that requires meticulous attention to detail. Once the flames have been extinguished, fire fighters undergo a final stage known as 'overhaul' to ensure that all embers are thoroughly cooled and there are no hidden sources of heat that could reignite the fire. This is a critical safety measure that can prevent the fire from returning and causing destruction.

The Process of Overhaul

When firefighters complete the initial stages of firefighting, they often do not know with absolute certainty that the fire is completely out. This is particularly true in cases where the fire is contained and the final areas are hard to access. It is during the overhaul stage that they conduct a thorough examination of the entire area to identify and extinguish any 'hot spots' that may have been missed. These hot spots are typically areas with residual heat or glowing embers that could reignite the fire.

Overhaul involves a detailed inspection of the structure, including opening walls, ceilings, and other areas that may have been inaccessible during the initial firefighting efforts. Firefighters will use their eyes and thermal imaging cameras to detect any signs of heat or smoldering materials. The use of thermal imaging cameras is particularly effective in identifying residual heat, as these devices can penetrate smoke and show areas with elevated temperatures that are not visible to the naked eye.

Ensuring the Fire is Out: The Use of Thermal Imaging Cameras

The thermal camera is a vital tool in confirming that a fire is completely out. These cameras can detect heat signatures and show areas with residual heat or hot coals that could reignite the fire. Firefighters will use the thermal imaging camera to check for any hot spots throughout the building, including any hidden areas where a fire might be able to smolder unnoticed.

In addition to the thermal imaging camera, firefighters often rely on other methods such as soaking and stirring smoldering materials. This process involves soaking the material, ripping it apart, and repeating the process to ensure that all potential heat sources are eliminated. After the soak and stir process, the fire chief will conduct a thorough inspection of the area to ensure that there are no signs of heat or residual fire.

Overhaul vs. Wildfire Control

The process of confirming a fire is completely out is different for structure fires and wildfires. Structure fires require a thorough overhaul to ensure that all hot spots have been eliminated. The use of thermal imaging cameras is crucial in identifying any hidden sources of heat.

For structure fires, firefighters will meticulously check for hot spots using a thermal imaging camera, ensuring that the fire is totally out before leaving the scene. They will look for 'smokers' and check to make sure that what they are seeing is steam and not smoke. They will turn piles of rubbish, clothing, and books over and pull them apart if they are large. In cases where the roof has collapsed, they will drag off the roofing iron. This process can be slow and time-consuming, but it is necessary to prevent a fire from reigniting.

Wildfires, on the other hand, require a change in weather conditions and substantial rainfall to be put out. This process can take weeks or even months. Wildfires are considered under control or contained when there is a mineral earth firebreak around the perimeter of the fire. Small wildfires can be managed with hand tools such as rakes and McLeod rakes, while larger wildfires require heavy machinery like bulldozers or graders. Graders are particularly effective for grass or crop fires, and tractors with a set of disks can be used for rapid containment of the fire.

In summary, the process of confirming a fire is completely out is a critical part of firefighting. The use of thermal imaging cameras is vital in identifying hidden hot spots, and a thorough overhaul is necessary to ensure that all potential sources of heat have been eliminated. Whether fighting a structure fire or a wildfire, this process is essential to prevent the fire from reigniting and causing further damage.