In wildland firefighting, what is one of the key definitions of a “hot spot”?

A "hot spot" in the context of wildland firefighting refers to an area where latent heat creates burning embers. This typically occurs in places where residual heat from a wildfire remains, often leading to flare-ups and potential reignition of the fire. These areas can be identified by hot embers or smoldering materials that could potentially reignite if conditions allow.

Understanding hot spots is critical for firefighters as they indicate places where the fire could become more active again, necessitating monitoring or additional suppression efforts to prevent the spread of the fire. Monitoring of hot spots is essential, especially when assessing the overall fire behavior and ensuring the safety of firefighters and nearby communities.

The correct understanding of a hot spot emphasizes the importance of situational awareness and the need for persistent scouting in locations that have previously burned, rather than areas where fire danger is merely identified or where suppression has been achieved.