Overhaul is the critical phase of structural firefighting that occurs after the main fire is knocked down. Crews tear open walls, pull down ceilings, and dig through debris to find and extinguish hidden embers or hot spots. The goal is to prevent a rekindle while trying to preserve as much of the property and fire cause evidence as possible.
Heard on the job
Grab a pike pole and a thermal imager, we need to start overhaul in the attic.
Insider tip
Overhaul is often when firefighters are most exposed to toxic gases like carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, making SCBA use mandatory even if the smoke has cleared.
Do not mix it up with
- Mop-up: Overhaul is for structural fires, while mop-up is the equivalent process for wildland fires.