Which of the following actions should not be performed when removing smoldering materials?

Covering smoldering material with a salvage cover can potentially trap heat and moisture, which might hinder the natural extinguishing process and could even lead to a reignition of the materials underneath. It is crucial in firefighting scenarios to ensure that any smoldering materials are addressed in a way that allows for effective cooling and extinguishment.

The practice of thoroughly soaking them outside is typically advisable as it helps to completely extinguish the smoldering materials. Placing materials far away prevents the risk of spreading fire to other areas and minimizes further damage. Ensuring that debris does not block entrances is also vital for safety and access, especially in emergency situations where movement through an area needs to be unobstructed. Each of these actions promotes safety and effective firefighting tactics, while covering smoldering materials could compromise that safety by inadvertently encouraging recovery of heat.