When is overhaul permitted to begin at a fire scene?

The correct answer is that overhaul is permitted to begin after structural stability has been assured. This ensures that firefighters and personnel can conduct their work in a safe environment, minimizing the risk of injury due to potential collapses or other hazards that could arise from weakened structures. Once the fire is declared out, it is essential to assess and confirm that the structure can safely support activities related to overhaul without endangering the safety of responders.

Overhaul involves examining the area for hidden fires and ensuring all hotspots are fully extinguished, which can involve moving materials or entering parts of the building that may still be at risk. Therefore, confirming structural stability is critical before beginning this process to protect firefighters and other responders on the scene.

The other options do not encompass the necessary safety considerations. Starting overhaul immediately upon extinguishing the fire without evaluating structural integrity could pose significant dangers. Waiting for a homeowner to be present or conducting overhaul prior to cause determination might complicate investigations and does not address the foundational principle of safety first in hazardous environments.