In the acronym COAL WAS WEALTH, what does the "H" represent?

The "H" in the acronym COAL WAS WEALTH represents the "Height of structure." This is an important aspect of fireground operations and incident assessments. Understanding the height of a structure is critical for several reasons, including determining the appropriate tactics for firefighting operations, the potential for fire extension, the necessity for aerial apparatus deployment, and the safety of personnel.

Knowledge of the structure's height helps firefighters to assess the complexity of the incident, plan their approach, and ensure that they are equipped to manage the unique challenges that may arise in taller buildings, such as increased travel distances for hose lines, the potential for vertical fire spread, and the effectiveness of ventilation strategies. Overall, height is a key factor in incident command decisions and the safety of firefighting operations.