In wildland firefighting, what defines a "hot spot"?

In wildland firefighting, a "hot spot" refers to an area that indicates potential flare-ups. This term is used to describe locations within a fire area where residual heat remains, and conditions are present that could lead to the reignition of fire. Hot spots are typically identified by elevated temperatures, smoky areas, or smoldering materials. They are crucial points of concern for firefighters because if not monitored or addressed, they can reignite and contribute to the spread of the fire, creating significant hazards.

In contrast, an area with low heat and smoke would not qualify as a hot spot, as the defining characteristic is the presence of heat that could lead to a flare-up. Similarly, a zone where the fire is under control doesn’t indicate imminent danger, as control implies that firefighters have managed the fire effectively, reducing the likelihood of flare-ups. Lastly, a section lacking vegetation does not relate directly to the heat or fire behavior, as hot spots are about the thermal activity associated with the existing fire rather than the absence of fuel. Understanding hot spots is essential for effective wildfire management and suppression efforts.