Since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, significant research has been conducted regarding the risks which firefighters take while working in their profession and the consequences of ill-health which they can experience. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the reasons why firefighters do not wear appropriate respiratory protection when they are involved in overhaul at residential fire scenes. For this research, the author made observations at twenty-one residential fire scenes and interviewed eight fire chiefs and eight firefighters. Based upon those interviews and fire ground observations, the author developed suggestions for fire service personnel in an effort for them to align their academy training and other adult learning opportunities with their fire ground behaviors. This was done in an effort to improve the respiratory health risks of firefighters as they engage in overhaul activities at residential fire scenes.
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