What should firefighters do if they find something suspicious during overhaul that suggests arson?

When firefighters discover something suspicious during overhaul that suggests potential arson, the appropriate response is to stop operations until investigators can examine the findings. This is critical for several reasons.

First, preserving the scene of a potential crime is essential to ensure that any evidence is not disturbed or destroyed. Investigators rely on physical evidence to determine the cause of the fire and whether criminal activity is involved. By halting overhaul operations, firefighters protect the integrity of the scene for further examination.

Additionally, stopping operations allows for a more thorough investigation, which can lead to the identification of arson and potentially prevent future incidents. It also demonstrates a commitment to safety and adherence to protocol, as proper procedures require that any potential criminal activity be reported and investigated without interference.

In contrast, making a mental or written note or continuing overhaul operations would risk compromising crucial evidence and could hinder the investigation process. Therefore, stopping operations is the most responsible and appropriate action to take under these circumstances.