What is the signal to the Incident Commander that the secondary search has been completed?

The signal that the secondary search has been completed is indicated by the phrase "secondary is all clear." This terminology is used within emergency response operations to communicate that not only has the initial area been searched, but all personnel and potential victims have been accounted for in the designated zone.

When a firefighter reports that the secondary search is "all clear," it conveys to the Incident Commander that the crew has thoroughly examined all locations within the structure or area for occupants who may still be there and that no one has been overlooked. This communication is crucial as it impacts resource allocation, safety considerations, and the overall strategy for managing the incident.

Using standard phrases helps ensure clear and effective communication within the fireground operations, reducing the chance of misunderstanding among team members. Other phrases may suggest various statuses of the incident or operations, but they do not specifically convey the completion of the secondary search, which is critical for ensuring thoroughness in victim recovery and situational awareness for the Incident Commander.