Salvage
Salvage is an important firefighting operation that focuses on protecting and preserving property during and after fire incidents. It involves actions taken to prevent or reduce additional damage from water, smoke, or weather after the main fire is controlled. Think of it as the "damage control" part of firefighting - while some firefighters are putting out the fire, others might be covering furniture with tarps, removing valuable items, or creating water drainage paths to minimize property damage. This term is often used alongside "overhaul" in firefighting, which involves checking for hidden fire spots and ensuring the fire is completely out.
Examples in Resumes
Led Salvage operations that preserved over $2M in property value during commercial fire responses
Trained junior firefighters in Salvage and overhaul techniques
Developed new Salvage procedures for protecting electronic equipment during fire suppression
Typical job title: "Firefighters"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Firefighters
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you organize a salvage operation in a large commercial building?
Expected Answer: A senior firefighter should discuss prioritizing areas for protection, coordinating teams, resources needed, and how to balance salvage operations with ongoing firefighting efforts.
Q: Tell me about a time when you had to make difficult decisions about salvage priorities.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate leadership experience in deciding what to save first, considering factors like value, damage potential, and safety concerns.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What salvage equipment would you bring to a residential fire?
Expected Answer: Should list essential items like salvage covers, water vacuums, plastic sheeting, and explain their uses in protecting property.
Q: How do you determine when to begin salvage operations during a fire incident?
Expected Answer: Should explain balancing fire suppression progress with property conservation needs and safety considerations.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the purpose of salvage operations?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic concept of protecting property from water and smoke damage during firefighting operations.
Q: Describe how to properly deploy a salvage cover.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of basic salvage equipment use and team coordination for covering furniture or equipment.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic salvage cover deployment
- Understanding of water removal techniques
- Knowledge of basic salvage equipment
- Team coordination during simple salvage operations
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced property conservation techniques
- Leadership in small salvage operations
- Damage assessment skills
- Equipment maintenance and inventory management
Senior (5+ years)
- Large-scale salvage operation management
- Training and supervision of junior firefighters
- Strategic planning for property conservation
- Advanced damage control techniques
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic salvage equipment
- Lack of understanding about water damage prevention
- Poor team coordination skills
- Disregard for property conservation importance
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