In firefighting, what does the term 'overhaul' refer to?

The term 'overhaul' in firefighting refers to the crucial phase that occurs after the fire has been extinguished. During overhaul, firefighters conduct a thorough inspection of the affected area to ensure that all smoldering remnants of the fire have been located and eliminated. This process is vital to prevent reignition and to ensure that any hidden pockets of fire are extinguished. Firefighters will often use thermal imaging cameras and other tools to identify areas where heat persists, allowing them to effectively search for and deal with any concealed sources of fire that could later pose a threat.

In this context, the other options do not align with the specific definition of overhaul. The initial response to a fire pertains to the actions taken when arriving at the scene, while setting up a water supply line falls under pre-extinguishment preparation. Training exercises, on the other hand, focus on developing skills and techniques needed for firefighting, rather than addressing the post-fire situation.