What acronym summarizes important factors to consider during fire assessment?

The acronym COAL WAS WEALTH is a comprehensive mnemonic that encompasses several critical components to consider during fire assessment. Each element of the acronym stands for an important factor that fire professionals must evaluate to ensure effective operations and minimize risk.

"COAL" refers to:

• Construction: Understanding the type of building construction helps assess structural integrity and potential fire behavior.

• Occupancy: Knowing who occupies the space can help prioritize rescue and evacuation efforts.

• Arrivals: Assessing the initial conditions and resources on the scene is vital for developing an effective operational strategy.

• Life hazard: Recognizing potential life hazards is crucial in prioritizing actions to protect lives.

"WAS" and "WEALTH" further guide firefighters through consideration of:

• Water supply: Knowing the availability and positioning of water sources enables better planning for fire suppression.

• Access: Identifying access points to the scene is important for efficient operations, including entry and exit for personnel and equipment.

• Location of the fire: Understanding where the fire is located within the structure aids in tactical planning and resource allocation.

• Timing: Being aware of how long the fire has been burning can impact decisions related to safety and tactics.