After extinguishing a dumpster fire, it is important for firefighters to:

After extinguishing a dumpster fire, checking for smoldering pockets within the debris is crucial for ensuring that the fire is completely out. This process involves looking for areas that may still contain heat or embers that could reignite, posing a fire risk later. Firefighters conduct this thorough inspection to prevent a rekindling situation, which could lead to further property damage or endanger lives. Given the potential hazards of re-ignition, this step is a key part of the firefighting process, emphasizing the importance of a careful and methodical approach to ensuring safety after extinguishment.

While blocking off the area may be important for public safety, it does not address the risk of hidden fires, and waiting for the next shift or starting a new fire for training would not be appropriate responses in this context.