Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for determining the temperature of an object or surface near a user, such as a firefighter, in potentially dangerous conditions. A temperature sensor configured to be attached to a personal protection equipment may comprise a standoff temperature sensor element configured to detect the temperature of a nearby object or surface; a microcontroller configured to receive sensor data from the standoff temperature sensor element and determine the sensed temperature; an indicator configured to be activated by the microcontroller when the sensed temperature is higher than a predefined threshold; and an attachment element configured to attach the sensor to a personal protection equipment worn by a user.