What is the primary goal of a secondary search in firefighting?

The primary goal of a secondary search in firefighting is to ensure all rooms are cleared of occupants. During this process, firefighters systematically search areas that have already been affected by fire or smoke to confirm that no individuals remain inside. This secondary search is critical for life safety, as it addresses the risk of trapped victims who may have been overlooked during the initial search.

The secondary search is more thorough and involves checking for victims in hard-to-reach areas, ensuring that all potential hiding spots, like closets or under beds, are thoroughly examined. It reinforces the priority of ensuring that the scene is completely clear of any living individuals before declaring it safe.

While locating hidden fires, identifying potential structural hazards, and documenting fire damage are important tasks, the primary objective of a secondary search distinctly focuses on victim rescue and ensuring the safety of the environment for both firefighters and civilians.