Originally Posted by
PersonFromPorlock
Third pilots may not always be aboard, but FAs are. Wouldn't it make sense to brief them to eyeball obvious problems? It doesn't take a lot of stick time to report smoke and flames engulfing a wing. It might even be faster than waiting for a third pilot's report, when a third pilot was available.
Why do you imagine this isn't already done?
Evacuating an aircraft is a big deal. You expect serious injuries from an evacuation.
If you have a spare pilot, then it is wise to use him just to confirm it is really necessary.