Which areas of a wall are usually opened first, during overhaul?

During overhaul, the most heavily damaged areas of a wall are typically opened first. This approach allows firefighters to assess the extent of the fire's impact on the structure and to search for any hidden fires or smoldering materials that may not be immediately visible. Heavily damaged areas often indicate where the fire was most intense or where structural integrity may be compromised, making it critical to inspect those spots thoroughly.

By focusing on these areas first, firefighters can effectively ensure that the fire is fully extinguished and prevent any potential rekindling. It also helps in evaluating the overall safety of the wall structure, assisting in making informed decisions about any necessary repairs or reinforcements.

Opening the least damaged areas, areas closest to openings, or those near the baseboard may not provide the most relevant information regarding fire damage and can delay the process of fully ensuring that the fire is out and that the structure is safe.