What is the key indicator of a hot spot on a roof?

The identification of a hot spot on a roof is crucial for firefighter safety and effective incident management. The presence of dry spots on the roof surface is a key indicator of a potential hot spot. This dryness can indicate that the underlying materials are heating up, often due to fire activity beneath the roof, which can lead to structural compromise or collapse.

In contrast, other indicators such as black smoke rising may suggest an active fire but do not provide specific information about the conditions directly affecting the roof structure. Wet spots near the peak could imply water damage or runoff rather than heat, and the sound of creaking beams indicates potential structural instability but does not directly correlate with the presence of heat on the roof. Understanding these indicators allows firefighters to assess risks more accurately and take necessary precautions when operating in these environments.