When the fire is completely out, Fire Fighters must look for clues as to its cause. Any evidence must be preserved, especially when arson is suspected. Fire Fighters may help salvage property by removing broken glass, pumping out water, ventilating buildings to remove smoke, and checking utilities or appliances to insure that they can be safely used. Fire Fighters rescue people from burning structures, give first aid to the injured, and help in the resuscitation of victims overcome by smoke. Rescue trucks are equipped with such tools as cutting torches, saws, resuscitators, first aid kits, lights, and other rescue equipment.
Some departments have paramedic units able to provide more complex medical aid.
Fire Fighters may spend only a small part of their schedule on emergency calls. If not responding to alarms, they may drill to improve teamwork, exercise, or study new fire fighting techniques and the properties of new building materials. They maintain department vehicles and fire fighting equipment. They also keep up the station, living quarters, and grounds. In most fire departments, fire prevention and public safety education are handled by special bureaus.