Which factor is NOT included in the COAL acronym related to fireground assessment?

The COAL acronym is a critical tool used by fireground personnel to guide their situational assessment and ensure a comprehensive understanding of the conditions present at the scene. COAL stands for:

• Conditions: This pertains to the current status of the fire, including smoke, heat levels, and visibility.

• Occupancy: This identifies the type of buildings involved and helps gauge potential hazards based on usage, such as residential or commercial spaces.

• Awareness: This encompasses the understanding of the surroundings, including factors like weather conditions and time of day, which can impact fire behavior and firefighting efforts.

• Location: This is about pinpointing the exact area where the incident is occurring and assessing the safest access points.

Hazard identification, while crucial in a fire operation, is not specifically included in the COAL acronym. When assessing various risks, factors such as weather and time of day are critically evaluated since they can influence both fire dynamics and the safety of responders. However, hazard identification is encompassed under general situational awareness rather than being one of the core categories in the COAL framework. Therefore, the factor not included in COAL is hazard identification.