Mitigation
Mitigation is emergency stabilization: the actions taken in the first hours to stop progressive damage after a fire. The exam tests sequencing, corrosion control, suppression-water management, and protection of contents and structures before cleaning begins.
Core rules
- Secure the site first: board-up, roof tarp, temporary fencing, and lock-up as authorized.
- Fire suppression water often causes more damage than the fire. Extract standing water, map moisture, and set drying equipment before extensive cleaning.
- Acid gases and moisture corrode metal quickly. Dry and clean metal surfaces, tools, and appliances; apply corrosion protection where specified.
- Shut down the HVAC to prevent smoke distribution; clean coils, ducts, and filters before restart.
- Inventory and protect contents; pack out items when on-site conditions prevent safe cleaning.
- Document conditions before and after each mitigation step.
Worked example
A sprinkler-activated office fire leaves wet carpet, soot on ceiling tiles, and a running HVAC system. The owner wants immediate odor fogging. Reasoning: fogging now would distribute moisture and odor. The technician secures the site, shuts down the HVAC, extracts water, removes wet ceiling tiles, sets drying, and photographs affected assemblies. Only after drying and source cleaning does deodorization begin. The sequence prevents mold and corrosion and preserves evidence.
Traps that cost marks
Starting deodorization before source removal; restarting HVAC before cleaning; missing water in wall cavities; discarding damaged contents before inventory; no photos of mitigation actions.