What does 'salvage' involve during firefighting operations?

Salvage during firefighting operations primarily focuses on the protection of property and valuables from damage caused by fire, smoke, and water. This entails the implementation of techniques designed to minimize loss and preserve as much of the contents of a structure as possible throughout the firefighting effort. Firefighters will use tarps, salvage covers, and other methods to shield unaffected areas and items, thereby reducing the impact of the fire and subsequent water damage during suppression efforts.

In contrast, the other options reflect different aspects of firefighting. Controlled burns are strategies to eliminate combustible materials in a controlled manner but do not directly relate to salvage. Preventing the spread of fire involves tactics and strategies aimed at containing the fire's advance, which is critical but separate from the aim of salvage. Lastly, while returning a site to normal operations is a goal after firefighting has concluded, it does not specifically pertain to salvage, which is concerned with preemptive measures to protect items during the firefighting process.