Which of the following best defines a secondary search during a structure fire?

• A. A thorough search after life safety is secured to locate remaining victims.
• B. Outside the building only.
• C. During active fire attack to locate occupants.
• D. Using infrared cameras only.

Answer: (D)

A secondary search is a thorough re-check inside the structure after life safety has been secured and fire control is established, with the aim of finding any remaining occupants or victims who may have been missed during the initial search. This check is done only when conditions permit safe access and movement, often after suppression and ventilation have begun, so teams can search more methodically and reach spaces that weren’t accessible during the active fire phase. Thermal imaging is a common aid in this phase because it helps detect heat behind walls, in ceilings, or in void spaces, but it isn’t the only method used; crews may still perform traditional searches as needed. So, while infrared cameras are a valuable tool, defining a secondary search as “using infrared cameras only” is too narrow, since the purpose is the re-check for victims, not the tool used.