What is the primary concern when conducting a primary search of a building?

When conducting a primary search of a building, the primary concern is locating possible victims. This initial search is performed to quickly find and remove any individuals who may be trapped or in danger from the effects of fire, smoke, or structural collapse. Firefighters prioritize this task to ensure the safety of any occupants as time is critical in a fire situation. The goal is to clear the area of any living individuals as swiftly as possible, which can significantly improve survival outcomes.

The search is focused on identifying locations where people may be present, such as bedrooms or areas where occupants might seek refuge. While assessing the extent of fire damage, checking structural integrity, or finding valuable items may hold importance, they are secondary to the urgent need to protect human life during this critical phase of firefighting operations.