What is meant by “reflash watch”?

The term “reflash watch” refers specifically to the practice of monitoring for the potential re-ignition of a fire after it has been extinguished. This is a critical safety measure in firefighting and damage control because some fires can smolder or flare back up if not properly monitored. After initial firefighting efforts, conditions can still be favorable for a fire to restart, especially if there are still hot spots or flammable material nearby.

During a reflash watch, personnel are vigilant to detect any signs of smoke, heat, or flame that might indicate a fire is about to restart. This vigilance helps ensure that any flare-ups are addressed immediately, thereby preventing a resurgence of the danger and protecting both personnel and equipment on board. This focused monitoring enhances overall safety during recovery operations following a fire incident.