What is the purpose of cold trailing?

Cold trailing is a technique used to assess a fire's status, specifically to detect residual heat along the edges of a fire that may still be smoldering or burning very lightly. This method involves the crew moving along the fire's perimeter and feeling the ground and surrounding vegetation for any heat that may indicate the presence of fire that could reignite. The term "cold" refers to the expectation that the area has cooled sufficiently to be safe to approach, but there can still be pockets of heat that have the potential to spread.

By identifying these hot spots, firefighters can focus their efforts on suppression activities where they are most needed, ensuring that the fire does not escape containment. This technique is crucial for overall fire management, helping to maintain safety and minimize the risk of rekindling in already burned areas.

The other options do not align with the specific function of cold trailing. Creating a new fire line involves establishing a barrier to stop fire spread and does not relate to checking existing hot spots. Enhancing operational attack plans may involve various strategies, but it doesn't specifically refer to the assessment of heat. Safely evacuating areas at risk is a broader action involving personnel safety rather than a tactical assessment of fire edges.