What is a primary concern when dealing with flare/flare dispensers?

When dealing with flare and flare dispensers, a primary concern is the forward-firing ordnance hazard. This aspect is crucial because flares are often used in tactical operations and can pose significant risks if not handled properly. The forward-firing nature of these devices means that, if a flare inadvertently ignites or fires in the wrong direction, it can cause unintended destruction or injury to personnel and equipment located in that trajectory. Given that flares are pyrotechnic devices intended to produce bright light or heat, managing their deployment is critical to ensuring safety around both personnel and surrounding infrastructures.

While considerations like weight restrictions, storage temperatures, and expiration dates are also important in the broader context of munitions handling and safety, they do not pose the immediate operational risk that forward-firing ordnance hazards present. The potential for accidental ignition and the impact of that ignition in a forward trajectory make this concern paramount when working with flare systems in both training and operational scenarios.