In fire terminology, what is the purpose of the “Salvage” step in fire operations?

The purpose of the “Salvage” step in fire operations is to protect property and belongings. During and after a fire incident, firefighters aim to minimize damage to personal property and the structure itself, which is crucial in preserving the owner's possessions and reducing overall loss. Salvage operations may involve actions such as covering furniture with tarps, removing items from the immediate fire area, and implementing water diversion techniques to prevent further damage from both the fire and firefighting efforts.

While ensuring complete extinguishment is critical, the primary focus of salvage is on the protection of property. Improving visibility and conditions pertains more to operations like ventilation, and rescuing trapped individuals is a separate priority focused on life safety rather than property preservation. By concentrating on salvage, firefighters not only help the property owner but also support the community’s recovery efforts post-incident.