What does the acronym RECEO stand for in firefighting?

The acronym RECEO stands for Rescue, Extinguish, Confinement, Exposure, and Overhaul, which provides a concise framework for firefighters to prioritize their actions during an incident.

Rescue is the first priority, emphasizing the need to save lives if people are trapped or in danger. Following that, Extinguish refers to putting out the fire to prevent further damage and protect both victims and responders. Confinement is crucial for preventing the fire from spreading beyond its initial area, thereby safeguarding adjacent structures and the environment. Exposure addresses the risk of the fire spreading to nearby materials or structures that could ignite and exacerbate the situation. Lastly, Overhaul involves a thorough check of the area post-extinguishment to ensure all remnants of the fire have been eliminated, reducing the risk of rekindling.

This structured approach is essential for maintaining safety and efficiency during firefighting operations, and it emphasizes the importance of life-saving measures, property protection, and complete mitigation of fire hazards.