Nitpicker - be aware it is not the brakes that will explode it is the tires, but it is correct to approach from front or rear as the bits of tire usually go laterally.Frankly it is better to stay a long way away from a smoking landing gear as debris can travel quite a distance and a large chunk of tread can do a great deal of damage. The fusible plugs will usually let go before the tire reaches bursting pressure due to heat but you cannot tell if there is damage to the carcass that might allow it to burst at a lower temp.I worked as a line engineer for 40 years and always treated hot wheels and brakes with the utmost respect - they are capable of killing you.