When should a secondary search occur in relation to fire control?

A secondary search is conducted to ensure that all occupants have been evacuated from a structure and to look for any potential victims who may have been overlooked during the initial search. The timing of this search is crucial for the safety of both the firefighters and any potential victims.

This strategy is important because conducting a secondary search while the fire is still being actively controlled can compromise the safety of the personnel performing the search. Conditions can change rapidly in a fire situation, and firefighters need to ensure that the fire is under control to mitigate risks such as sudden flashovers, structural collapse, or the re-ignition of fire. The focus during fire suppression is on containing and extinguishing the fire, which is why the secondary search should not overlap with that phase of operation.

Once the fire suppression has significantly progressed, and there is a reasonable assurance that the fire is under control, the secondary search can then proceed to thoroughly check for any victims and assess the safety of the structure. This structured approach not only prioritizes the safety of the responding firefighters but also enhances the effectiveness of the rescue efforts.