After performing an indirect attack and darkening down the fire, what should firefighters do next?

After conducting an indirect attack and darkening down the fire, advancing the hose to extinguish hot spots is an essential next step in the firefighting process. This approach ensures that any remaining embers or areas of heat, which could potentially reignite, are properly extinguished. Directly addressing these hot spots is crucial for preventing fire flare-ups and ensuring the safety of both firefighters and any occupants of the building.

The indirect attack aims to cool the fire environment and reduce heat levels, making it safer for firefighters to move in closer. Once the major portion of the fire is under control, it is vital to advance the hose and methodically extinguish any remaining active fire areas, ensuring comprehensive fire suppression and effective scene safety.

Other options do not prioritize immediate fire control or may distract from the primary goal of extinguishing the fire. Assessing additional resources or considering salvage operations, although sometimes warranted, would not take precedence over the immediate need to fully extinguish any remaining heat sources in the context of fire suppression.