Toxic products of combustion can be deadly and are present during which phase of firefighting operations?

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Toxic products of combustion linger in a structure even after flames are knocked down, and overhaul is the phase where that danger is most exposed. During overhaul, firefighters crawl through hot debris, open ceilings, and tear into walls to find hidden embers and ensure the fire is completely out. This disturbs pockets of smoldering material and can release concentrated gases like carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide into the breathing zone. Even though the visible fire is gone, the environment can still contain dangerous smoke and gases, making overhaul the period with the greatest risk from toxic combustion products.