RESEARCHERS from UNSW Sydney, in partnership with New South Wales fire agencies, have developed an immersive fire simulation system to help emergency responders build vital skills to tackle bushfires.

Firefighters are stepping into towering walls of flame, racing wind-driven fire fronts and navigating fast-moving bushfire emergencies, all before confronting the real thing.

Researchers at UNSW’s iCinema Research Centre have developed iFire 1.0, an AI-driven 3D visualisation system that immerses teams of firefighters and incident commanders in virtual fire grounds, enhancing their ability to anticipate and respond to real-world fire fronts.

The program was designed in collaboration with Fire and Rescue NSW.

This week, FRNSW Deputy Commissioner Paul McGuiggan and Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service Trent Curtin visited UNSW to try out the new training program.

Scientia Professor Dennis Del Favero, director of the iCinema Centre, said the simulations help fire crews develop situational awareness and decision-making under pressure by engaging in high-risk scenarios in a controlled, yet realistic environment.

“They can gain a firsthand sense of what extreme fires look and feel like, enabling stronger preparedness for their erratic and dangerous nature,” he said.

The initiative is part of a five-year partnership between UNSW and Fire and Rescue NSW to integrate the system into training programs.

The exercises are being delivered in a 3D immersive cinema at the FRNSW Emergency Training Academy at Orchard Hills in Sydney’s west, with plans to extend the technology to the Rural Fire Service volunteer brigade.

“It’s been a privilege to see first-hand how this unique, cutting-edge technology is progressing,” FRNSW Deputy Commissioner Paul McGuiggan said.

“We first embraced this program in 2024 and are now seeing it develop further into an important tool to help our commanders make the right, life-saving strategic decisions, albeit in a safe virtual reality-based environment.”

UNSW Sydney, in partnership with NSW fire agencies, have developed an immersive fire simulation system to help emergency responders build vital skills to tackle bushfires.

NSW Rural Fire Service Deputy Commissioner Peter McKechnie said emerging technologies could enhance how firefighters prepare for bushfires and other emergencies.

“Advances in technology are providing additional tools to support training, allowing firefighters to experience scenarios that help build skills and confidence for decision-making on the fireground,” he said.

“This has the ability to complement the hands-on experience and established operational training practices central to our capability.”

UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Attila Brungs, said the collaboration underscored the power of researchers and emergency services working together.

“UNSW’s world-leading research is enhancing frontline bushfire readiness through the use of innovative technology,” Prof. Brungs said.

“By strengthening the preparedness and skills of the firefighters who protect our lives and livelihoods, this partnership stands as a clear example of progress for all in action.”