In the COAL WAS WEALTH acronym, what does the O stand for?

In the COAL WAS WEALTH acronym, the "O" stands for Occupancy. This term refers to the type of building and its intended use, which is critical for firefighters when assessing a situation during a response. Understanding occupancy helps responders evaluate potential hazards, identify the occupants in the event of an emergency, and formulate a plan for action. This knowledge is fundamental during firefighting operations as it directly affects the tactics employed and the resources required to effectively manage the situation. In urban firefighting, knowing whether a structure is residential, commercial, or industrial can heavily influence the approach firefighters take to contain a fire and ensure the safety of both the occupants and the firefighting team.