What is the role of ladder companies concerning salvage operations?

Ladder companies play a vital role in salvage operations primarily due to their equipment and training. Their responsibilities in salvage operations include protecting the property from further damage after a fire has been controlled. This is accomplished through actions such as removing items from a structure, covering valuables with salvage covers, and ensuring that any water application does not lead to unnecessary damage. Ladder companies possess the tools and expertise necessary to execute these tasks effectively, which makes them essential to the salvage process in fire incidents.

While other roles mentioned, such as joint operations, investigations, or communication management, are important in the overall incident management framework, they do not pertain specifically to the primary responsibilities of ladder companies. By being focused on salvage operations, ladder companies help minimize damage and support recovery efforts, making them crucial in mitigating the impact of fire incidents.