What is the main purpose of salvage operations in firefighting?

The main purpose of salvage operations in firefighting is to minimize damage during the initial response to a fire incident. Salvage operations focus on protecting property and valuable items from fire, water, and smoke damage. This involves actions such as covering furniture and belongings with tarps, relocating items away from the fire's immediate impact zone, and using water diversion techniques to prevent flooding. By prioritizing these measures, firefighters can significantly reduce the overall damage caused by the fire and the necessary restoration efforts following the incident, ultimately helping the affected individuals recover more quickly.

While other options address important aspects of firefighting, they do not specifically capture the core objective of salvage operations. Controlling ongoing fires relates more to suppression efforts, restoring normalcy post-incident pertains to overall recovery rather than immediate damage mitigation, and addressing hazardous materials focuses on specific dangers rather than the preservation of property during a fire scenario.