What is a primary focus of property conservation in fire departments?

The primary focus of property conservation in fire departments is salvage. This refers to the actions taken to protect and recover property and possessions from damage due to fire, smoke, and water during firefighting operations. Salvage techniques can include covering furniture and valuables, using water vacuums to remove standing water, and ventilating smoke from structures. The goal is to minimize loss and return properties to their pre-fire condition as quickly as possible.

Rescue is primarily concerned with saving lives, while suppression focuses on extinguishing fires. Prevention aims to reduce the occurrence of fires through education and risk mitigation. Although all of these elements are essential to firefighting and emergency response, salvage specifically targets the conservation of property during and after a fire event.