Before extinguishing stacked piles, what should be ensured?

Ensuring that materials are separated and checked before extinguishing stacked piles is a critical step in fire suppression. This practice helps to prevent the rekindling of the fire or the spread of fire to adjacent materials that could ignite. When materials are stacked, there is often the potential for hidden fire, where flames or heat may not be immediately visible. By separating and inspecting these materials, firefighters can detect any remaining hot spots or smoldering areas that could reignite after the initial extinguishing efforts.

On the other hand, factors such as personnel safety, current presence of flames, and bystander proximity are also essential safety considerations, but they follow the priority of ensuring that the materials are adequately prepared for extinguishing. Taking these precautions enhances the effectiveness of the firefighting operation and contributes to a safer working environment. Therefore, addressing the separation and condition of the materials ensures a more thorough and strategic approach to fire suppression.