SALVAGE

State of GeorgiaBASIC FIRE FIGHTER TRAINING COURSE

Salvage 2

SALVAGE OPERATIONS

Methods and operating procedures that aid in reducing fire, water, and smoke damage during and after fires

Salvage 3

SALVAGE OPERATIONS

Purpose of Salvage• Reduce loss to property and contents• Helps prevent destruction of items that

cannot be replaced

Value of Salvage to the Fire Department• Improves morale• Improves public relations

Salvage 4

SALVAGE OPERATIONS Examples

Salvage 5

SALVAGE EQUIPMENT

Salvage Covers Large tarps or sheets used to cover materials to protect

them Types

• Waterproof canvas

• SyntheticFloor Runners

Used to protect floor coverings Commercially made or folded salvage covers

Portable Pumps Water pumps used to remove water from basements,

elevator shafts, etc.

Salvage 6

SALVAGE EQUIPMENT

Water vacuum A device used to remove non-flammable liquids and

dirt from floors

Water chute A device constructed from a salvage cover used to

provide a channel for removing water

Water catch-all A device constructed from a salvage cover that serves

as a basin or container to collect water

Salvage 7

SALVAGE EQUIPMENTMiscellaneous Equipment / Materials

Mops, squeegees, buckets, salvage tubs• water removal

Brooms, scoops, and shovels• debris removal

Hammer, nails, wood strips, plastic• cover openings

Salvage 8

SALVAGE COVERS Maintenance

Waterproof canvas• Clean by showering with hose stream and

scrubbing with a broom (use mild detergent)

• Air dry

• Inspect for damage

• Fold and store

Synthetic• Rinse with hose stream

• Air dry

• Inspect for damage

• fold and store

Salvage 9

Water vacuum• Flush collection tank

• Clean nozzle

• Inspect for damage

Mops• Clean with soap and water, air dry

Tools• Wipe clean

• Lightly oil if needed

SALVAGE EQUIPMENT Maintenance

Salvage 10

SALVAGE COVERSRoll for One-Firefighter Spread

Salvage 11

SALVAGE COVERSFold for Two-Firefighter Spread

Salvage 12

SALVAGE COVERSUSAGE

Arrange contents in groups to be covered• Taller items toward center of group

• Smaller items stacked where they fit

• Minimize items in-contact with floor

Roll up rugs and place in group if possible Cover group with salvage cover Immovable objects may be covered in place Construct water chute and catch-all as

needed

Salvage 13

SALVAGE COVERSDeploying Roll for One-Firefighter Spread

Salvage 14

SALVAGE COVERSDeploying Fold for a Two-Firefighter Spread

Salvage 15

SALVAGE COVERSWater Chute

Salvage 16

SALVAGE COVERSCatch All

Salvage 17

SALVAGE COVERSDebris and Water Removal

Ensure evidence of fire cause is properly preserved before beginning

Separate unburned materials from burned materials

Remove charred material to outside of building• Use containers to remove materials

• Don’t put debris on sidewalks, shrubs, or in front of building

• Remove debris to back yard or alley

Water should be removed using water chutes, squeegees, brooms, mops, or water vacuum