What should be checked frequently by the fire watch during operations?

The correct choice emphasizes the importance of monitoring environmental conditions during torch operations. A fire watch plays a critical role in ensuring safety by being vigilant about potential fire hazards that may arise due to the work environment. Environmental factors such as wind speed, temperature, and the presence of flammable materials are crucial because they can significantly influence the risk of a fire igniting or spreading.

For example, high winds can carry sparks to flammable materials, making a fire more likely. Similarly, if there's too much heat or dry conditions, the risk of ignition increases. Thus, frequent checks on environmental conditions allow the fire watch to identify and mitigate potential hazards effectively, ensuring a safer work environment for everyone involved in the operations.

The other options, while important in their own right, do not encompass the broader and critical focus required during torch operations. Monitoring the functionality of tools and checking the personal protective equipment are essential for operational safety, and scheduling additional work is crucial for planning; however, they do not directly address the immediate hazards presented by the environment, which is the primary concern during torch operations.