During which phase should firefighters be wary of potential hazards related to arson?

The phase where firefighters should be particularly cautious of potential hazards related to arson is during the overhaul stage. During overhaul, firefighters are working to extinguish any remaining hot spots, eliminate smoldering materials, and ensure that the fire is fully extinguished.

In the context of arson, this stage becomes critical because it may reveal evidence of the origin and cause of the fire that indicates it was intentionally set. Firefighters need to be vigilant during overhaul for any signs of suspicious activity or materials that may have been used to start the fire. This includes being aware of any unusual accelerants or patterns that could suggest an arson scenario.

Furthermore, the overhaul phase often involves a thorough inspection of the fire scene, which could disturb potential evidence crucial to investigations. Therefore, maintaining an awareness of potential hazards linked to arson is essential not only for safety but also for preserving any evidence that might be used in a legal context.

In contrast, other stages like initial attack, search and rescue, and investigation have different focuses where the immediate firefighting and life-saving efforts take precedence, thereby placing different levels of emphasis on the consideration of arson-related hazards.