When should firefighters perform a primary search?

Firefighters should perform a primary search during the initial attack phase because this is the critical time when lives may still be in imminent danger. The purpose of the primary search is to locate and rescue any victims who may be trapped or in need of assistance within the affected structure. Conducting the search during the initial phase takes advantage of the fire's early stages, when access to potential victims is still feasible and conditions may not have deteriorated significantly.

This proactive approach emphasizes the priority of saving lives above all else in fire operations. Once the fire is extinguished or after the scene has been secured, the conditions may change, making it more challenging and dangerous to conduct rescues. Additionally, performing a primary search during overhaul operations could lead to unnecessary risk, as the focus should be on checking for hidden fires and potential hazards rather than conducting rescues. Thus, timing the primary search during the initial attack phase is crucial for effective firefighting operations and victim rescue.