When conducting a fire-apartment search, what should be searched for first?

When conducting a fire-apartment search, the priority is always life safety, which encompasses searching for victims or anyone in need of assistance. In the context of a fire situation, life safety is the paramount concern for firefighters. Therefore, while fire and smoke detection are critical components of the search, locating and ensuring the safety of any potential victims is the foremost priority.

In a typical fire operation, firefighters first assess the environment for visible signs of life and may use specific techniques to locate individuals who might be trapped or unconscious due to smoke or heat exposure. Addressing fire conditions becomes crucial once life safety has been managed, ensuring that the firefighting and rescue operations can proceed effectively and safely.

Structural integrity is also an essential factor to consider, but it typically falls after immediate life safety needs have been addressed. Thus, life safety will always take precedence over fire, smoke, and structural issues during the search process.