In the COAL WAS WEALTH acronym regarding size-up, what does the third A stand for?

In the context of the COAL WAS WEALTH acronym, the third A represents "Apparatus and personnel." This component emphasizes the importance of evaluating the resources available at the scene, including the firefighting apparatus and the personnel who will be responding to the incident.

Understanding which apparatus is available allows for effective strategizing concerning the type of suppression tactics that can be deployed. Additionally, assessing the personnel on site includes accounting for their training, experience, and capabilities, which directly influences operational effectiveness. This holistic approach to size-up ensures that firefighters can formulate an efficient and safe plan for tackling the incident at hand.

Other interpretations such as "Assessment of risk," "Areas at risk," and "Action plan" provide different aspects of situational awareness but do not capture the specifics of the apparatus and personnel, which are crucial for immediate and ongoing operations.