Fire Service Essay Competition returns with artificial intelligence prompt

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured News

Essay Competition opens with AI prompt

Darley has opened the fifth annual Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Competition in collaboration with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), focusing on how artificial intelligence could improve firefighter health, wellness and safety over the next two years.

Darley announced that submissions are now open for the Essay Competition.

The prompt asks fire and rescue personnel to address how artificial intelligence can be applied in operational contexts.

The competition receives over 90 entries each year from firefighters, company officers and chief officers across the country.

Identified areas include incident reporting and staffing models.

The brief also highlights wildfire prediction, roadway risk forecasting and fire-based EMS operations where artificial intelligence tools are already in use.

Essay Competition rules and topic areas

Darley said the competition follows a Tier 3 AI usage standard.

Writers may use generative AI tools to brainstorm, organise thinking and refine outlines.

All final text must be written by the author in their own words.

Any use of artificial intelligence must be disclosed.

Entries may be screened using AI-detection tools.

Suggested topics include virtual and augmented reality staff rides.

Other areas include predictive analytics for wildland and all-hazard incidents.

Further examples include decision-support tools for EMS, hazmat and technical rescue operations, along with fatigue tracking and injury trend analysis.

Essay Competition prizes and comments

Darley Chief Executive Officer & Chairman Paul Darley said: “The people best positioned to shape how AI gets used in the fire service are the ones on shift.

“Sometimes the best ideas in the fire service don’t always make it past the apparatus bay.

“We built this competition because writing is an act of leadership, and we want you to use this platform to spotlight your ideas and create discussion amongst industry peers.”

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Director of Fire Programs Danny Kistner said: “Artificial intelligence is not a replacement for firefighter judgment; it is a force multiplier for firefighter survivability.

“By combining AI with immersive staff rides, predictive modeling, and resilience-building programs, we can help departments see risk sooner, train with greater realism, and support their people long before and long after the call.

“This directly aligns with the NFFF mission—to honor our fallen by doing everything possible to reduce preventable deaths and injuries.

“We invite you to join this competition and submit your ideas for how AI can further this mission in the fire service.”

Winners receive cash prizes, present at events including the Texas A&M Leadership Conference and FRI and are published by Fire Engineering, Firehouse, CRACKYL and FireRescue1.

The competition was conceived by Garry Briese and is sponsored by Darley in collaboration with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

UL Research Institutes updates search and rescue training course

by Featured NewsSearch and RescueTraining

FRSI training course adds new tactical lessons

UL Research Institutes and its Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) have announced a new version of the free online training course Search and Rescue Tactics in Single-Family Single-Story Residential Structures on the Fire Safety Academy.

The updated training course reflects findings from full-scale burn experiments and adds three tactical considerations to the original Search & Rescue course.

One lesson covers simultaneous exterior and interior suppression operations when crews arrive to a fully developed fire with extension to the exterior and sufficient resources are available.

A second lesson covers local ventilation in compartments remote from the fire area, including pre suppression isolation of the compartment before ventilation.

A third lesson covers hydraulic ventilation immediately after suppression to increase the rate at which combustion gases exhaust from the structure.

New materials for officers and instructors

FSRI said the updated course also includes ready-to-use materials for training officers and instructors.

These include five scenario based drill sheets designed to reinforce decision making and coordination across search scenarios and victim removal.

The updated materials also include time-to-task sheets to track how long crews take to complete actions such as forcing entry, a single-room search and drag-and-carry.

Discussion guides have also been added to support post-drill or informal conversation intended to reinforce learning and improve retention.

Meghan Maloney, manager of education and training for the Fire Safety Research Institute, said: “The re-launch of this course builds on years of research and ongoing collaboration with the fire service to meet their training needs.

“On the fireground, every decision and every minute matters, and our free training helps firefighters at all levels be better prepared to make smarter, safer decisions that influence occupant survivability and firefighter safety.”

The course states that firefighters who complete it will learn how isolation and ventilation affect occupant survivability and firefighter safety, how the timing of suppression actions affects search and rescue operations, and how removal tactics and timing may influence survivability.

The Fire Safety Academy also provides free self-paced training on topics including fire dynamics, firefighting tactics, firefighter health, lithium-ion batteries and WUI fires.

The updated course adds new lessons and training materials to the existing search and rescue programme.

KNPC marks Kuwait firefighter graduations as fire training centre reaches 250 alumni

by Featured NewsMiddle East - Featured News ArchivesTraining

Kuwait firefighter training and graduation

Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) held a ceremony to mark the graduation of a new batch of newly appointed firefighters working at the company and at Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company (KIPIC).

State news agency Kuna reported that the ceremony took place on Sunday at KNPC’s Main Support and Emergency Operations Center.

The number of graduates reached 65 firefighters.

The firefighters completed a training course accredited by the US National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

The ceremony was attended by Al-Ahmadi Governor Sheikh Homoud Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, KNPC Chief Executive Officer and Acting Chief Executive Officer of KIPIC Wadha Al-Khateeb.

Strengthening firefighting systems and training centre accreditation

KNPC Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Support Services Kholoud Al-Mutairi said: “Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) is keen to strengthen its firefighting system, in recognition of the vital role it plays.”

Al-Mutairi said enhancing the efficiency of firefighters is among the company’s top priorities through advanced training and qualification programmes.

She highlighted the Ahmadi Governor’s support in helping the company’s Fire Training Center obtain official accreditation from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).

Al-Mutairi added that the Fire Training Center has graduated five batches of firefighters since its establishment, totalling nearly 250 personnel.

She congratulated the graduates and said the course represents a fundamental step in their professional journey.

Documentary details March 2022 Plainfield warehouse fire at Walmart centre

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured News

Warehouse fire documentary premieres in Plainfield

A new documentary examining the March 2022 Plainfield Walmart fulfilment centre warehouse fire is due to premiere later this month in Indiana.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has announced the release of “When the Sky Turned Black”, produced with Full Vision Productions and the Plainfield Fire Territory.

Two private screenings for members of the Plainfield Fire Territory and their families will take place on 27 January 2026.

The film will then be screened for the wider fire service on 28 January at about 2:00 p.m. at the Town of Plainfield Civic Center, with media invited to attend.

The documentary will also be made available to view after its premiere on the NFFF YouTube channel.

What the film covers

The documentary features interviews with firefighters who responded to the incident.

It sets out a detailed timeline of the fire using visual footage and reenactments.

It also examines the emotional impact of the incident on members of the Plainfield Fire Territory.

Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the NFFF, said: “When the Sky Turned Black’ not only documents the intensity of that day, but the experiences and emotions of the heroic firefighters who lived it and helped prevent human tragedy.

“This documentary reinforces our commitment to supporting fire departments across the country with the knowledge, training and resources they need to safeguard the communities they serve and promote firefighter survival.”

The film follows the release of the NFFF’s 2025 report, “Inside the Plainfield Mega-Warehouse Fire: Critical Lessons for Firefighters”.

Background on the Plainfield incident

Plainfield is home to more than 60 fulfilment centres and is often referred to as the unofficial “Distribution Center of the Country”.

The Walmart fulfilment centre involved was a 1.4-million-square-foot facility containing more than 20 miles of rack storage aisles.

Shortly after noon on Wednesday, 16 March 2022, the Plainfield Fire Territory responded to a report of a fire inside the building.

The fire originated on the second floor of a multi-story module.

Firefighters initially found the sprinkler system had contained the flames and visible fire was extinguished within minutes.

Cold smoke filled large areas of the building, reducing visibility.

After the affected zone was isolated and the sprinkler system shut down, fire spread through the upper levels of the structure.

Dense smoke rapidly descended to floor level, creating disorienting and hazardous conditions, with three firefighters narrowly escaping.

The facility was destroyed, resulting in $500 million in property loss.

No employees or firefighters sustained major injuries.

Plainfield Fire Territory Chief Brent Anderson said: “The Plainfield distribution center fire was one of the most significant and challenging incidents our brave men and women have ever faced.

“We thank the NFFF for their ongoing work educating our community.

“The lessons we took away from that day continue to guide how we strengthen our departments, ensuring our crews have what they need should we ever face an event of this magnitude again.”

The documentary expands on lessons identified in the foundation’s earlier report on the incident.

Insight Training shares thermal dollhouse teaching method

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsThermal ImagingTraining

Thermal imaging lessons using a thermal dollhouse

Insight Training has published guidance explaining how instructors can use a Palmer dollhouse to teach thermal imaging concepts during firefighter training.

In a blog article by Andrew Starnes, the organisation describes the dollhouse as a controlled demonstration tool for showing how thermal imaging cameras respond as a fire grows and heat moves through a structure.

The guidance says the dollhouse should be built from 3/8-inch plywood, assembled with screws and sealed with caulk to improve durability and contain heat for longer demonstrations.

The lower left compartment is identified as the fire room and should be lined with drywall so students can see how that material initially hides heat signatures before heat transfer becomes visible.

Students can then observe thermal bridging through screws before heat passes through the drywall and later through the plywood.

The room directly above the fire compartment is recommended as an isolation space that remains tightly sealed during the burn so instructors can show how closed doors reduce heat transfer and limit fire spread.

At the end of the exercise, removing the front panel allows students to view the burn pattern and see that the sealed second-floor compartment above the fire has been affected far less than the fire room.

Thermal camera operation and fire behaviour teaching points

Insight Training also recommends reviewing basic thermal imaging camera operation before ignition, including how students switch between TI Basic mode and other application modes.

Starnes notes that this operational knowledge forms part of the requisite knowledge required by NFPA 1010 for new firefighters.

During the incipient stage, three or four students can kneel and observe the fire compartment through their cameras so instructors can demonstrate high sensitivity, low sensitivity and mixed gain settings.

Students can compare how heat affects their ability to see cooler objects and structural features as conditions change inside the structure.

Different camera models can also be placed side by side so students can compare thermal colourisation and see how application modes alter colour thresholds.

The exercise is also intended to show convection currents and thermal layers as heat moves into adjacent rooms and rises through the dollhouse when the floor door to the second floor is opened.

After several minutes of fire growth, students can carry out a 360-degree size-up around the structure to identify irregular heat patterns and thermal bridging around screws or nails.

The training outline also includes exercises on distance, target recognition and scanning so firefighters can see how colourisation changes with range and how background heat affects image interpretation.

Suppression phase and thermal imaging limits

Insight Training says the Palmer dollhouse can also be used to show limits in thermal imaging by simulating reflective surfaces with aluminium tape and by showing how smoke and glass can affect image interpretation.

The demonstration can also be extended to fire behaviour topics including flow paths, ventilation effects and fire spread, linking those observations to what firefighters see through the camera and with the naked eye.

In the final phase, instructors can use a garden hose, water extinguisher or small hose line to demonstrate stream placement and show how cooling changes surface readings on the thermal camera.

Once visible flames have been knocked down, students can scan the structure for remaining heat and identify areas that still need cooling during overhaul.

The outline presents the Palmer dollhouse as a way to connect thermal imaging use with fire behaviour, suppression and overhaul decisions during training.

Why Nova Scotia overhauled firefighter training after audit findings this summer

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsTraining

Province launches firefighter training advisory committee

Nova Scotia’s Emergency Management and Municipal Affairs department has announced the formation of a new Fire Training Advisory Committee on Monday 22 September.

The committee was created after a value-for-money audit identified safety and governance problems at the Nova Scotia Firefighters Training School earlier this summer.

Officials confirmed that the committee consists of 32 members drawn from across the province.

Its members include experienced firefighters, emergency management leaders and representatives from municipal departments.

They have been tasked with designing an interim firefighter training plan covering a wide range of operational skills and safety standards.

Kim Masland, Minister of Emergency Management, said: “The safety of our firefighters and the quality of their training are paramount.”

She added: “The establishment of the committee marks a decisive step toward rebuilding trust, enforcing rigorous safety protocols and enhancing governance to meet and exceed national standards.”

Details of the interim firefighter training plan

The interim plan will include modules on firefighter safety and survival, fire behaviour and suppression techniques, ladders, ventilation, forcible entry and search techniques.

Other areas include personal protective equipment (PPE), self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), incident command, live fire training and vehicle extrication.

The plan will also cover water supply and fire streams, hazardous materials awareness, communications and emergency vehicle operation.

According to the province, the training will provide consistent access to core courses, standardise delivery methods across the province and support safe entry-level firefighter education.

The programme will also build a collaborative network of trainers and leaders to strengthen regional training capacity.

All courses will adhere to recognised safety standards.

Leadership and collaboration with Mi’kmaw fire chiefs

The committee is led by two co-chairs: Mark Bettens, Chief Director of Cape Breton Regional Fire Service, and Paul Maynard, Director of Client Services at the Department of Emergency Management.

They will be supported by an executive team including Greg Jones, President of the Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia, and representatives from regional fire services, the provincial Fire Marshal’s office and occupational health and safety officials.

The committee will also work with Mi’kmaw community fire chiefs to ensure that interim and long-term provincial training plans address their operational needs.

John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs, said: “We all depend on firefighters being ready to respond when we need them.

“For all they do and risk for us, we need to do everything we can to make sure they have the training and support they need to be safe and successful.

“I want to thank everyone involved with this committee for taking on this important duty.”

Greg Jones, President of the Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia, said: “The formation of the Nova Scotia Fire Training Advisory Committee and the development of an interim training plan is a vital step forward.

“This will ensure that our fire service personnel receive consistent, effective training that supports their safety and preparedness.”

Wider review of fire services governance

The Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia is leading a separate review into fire services governance.

This review will assess operations, training, communications, funding and related matters.

According to the province, the review is expected to be completed later this autumn.

The advisory committee’s work will contribute to this broader review and inform future provincial decisions on fire service training and governance.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The development of a province-wide firefighter training plan in Nova Scotia is relevant to fire chiefs, training officers and municipal fire departments.

The interim plan establishes a standardised approach to entry-level firefighter education, which will support consistent delivery across regions.

For training officers and instructors, the initiative provides a framework to align programmes with recognised safety standards while ensuring collaboration between local trainers and provincial leadership.

Municipal fire departments are directly supported through consistent access to basic training, which helps maintain firefighter readiness and safety during the transition period.

Engagement with Mi’kmaw fire chiefs also shows the importance of tailoring training frameworks to meet the operational needs of different communities.

Nova Scotia launches firefighter training committee after audit raised safety concerns: Summary

Nova Scotia’s Emergency Management and Municipal Affairs department announced on Monday 22 September the formation of the Fire Training Advisory Committee.

The committee was created after a value-for-money audit identified safety and governance problems at the Nova Scotia Firefighters Training School earlier in the summer.

It consists of 32 members, including fire chiefs, emergency management professionals and occupational safety representatives from across the province.

The committee will design an interim firefighter training plan that covers safety, fire behaviour, equipment use, suppression techniques, incident command, hazardous materials and vehicle extrication.

The plan will standardise basic training delivery across Nova Scotia, build networks of trainers and ensure all courses follow recognised safety standards.

The committee is co-chaired by Mark Bettens of Cape Breton Regional Fire Service and Paul Maynard of the Department of Emergency Management.

Officials confirmed that the group will collaborate with Mi’kmaw community fire chiefs to ensure training meets their needs and supports long-term planning.

A broader review of fire services governance led by the Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia is expected to conclude later this autumn.

This article contains information from the following source: Nova Scotia’s Emergency Management Municipal Affairs

California’s new firefighter training centre puts pressure on federal staffing crisis

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsTraining

California expands training infrastructure with new firefighter centre

The LA Times has reported that the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has opened a new firefighter training centre in Merced County.

The Atwater Training Center welcomed its first 40 students on Monday, marking the latest step in a multi-year expansion of Cal Fire’s training programme.

The facility joins three existing training centres and is designed to help prepare new entry-level firefighters and company officers.

According to Cal Fire, the Atwater site has capacity for 300 students per year and is located on the grounds of a former Air Force base.

The department expects to train approximately 1,600 firefighters across its four centres in 2025.

Growing workforce capacity to meet operational needs

The expansion comes as Cal Fire continues to grow its workforce to match the demands of increased fire risk and response.

According to California Department of Finance data, the number of authorised fire protection positions at Cal Fire has nearly doubled since 2017.

In the same period, Cal Fire’s annual budget has risen from $2 billion to $4.2 billion, with 90 percent of funding allocated to fire protection.

A Cal Fire spokesperson said that, as of July 2025, the department employs 12,223 people, including seasonal firefighters.

This figure exceeds 2024’s peak staffing level of 11,754 and is expected to increase further during the fire season.

Cal Fire is currently recruiting for a range of roles, including entry-level firefighters, heavy equipment operators and battalion chiefs.

Curriculum includes live fire training and leadership skills

Nicole Gissell, Cal Fire assistant chief and curriculum lead, said the training programme is designed to prepare recruits for field command responsibilities from day one.

Gissell said: “Students could graduate from our academy and, their next day, arrive on scene and have to command the fire.”

She added: “Our training programme is probably one of the best in the fire service.

“Our training programme has been growing in the last five years to meet the demands of the department and to train all 12,000 employees.”

The Atwater centre delivers a 10-week training programme covering core firefighting techniques, fire science, equipment handling and leadership.

Students also complete practical exercises including a week of live fire response and training in fire towers and off-road driving.

Federal shortages contrast with state investment

The new facility opened as federal agencies continue to report high vacancy rates across their firefighting units.

According to a July 2025 investigation by ProPublica, over 4,500 positions in the US Forest Service remain unfilled.

This figure represents around 27 percent of federal wildland firefighting roles.

Governor Gavin Newsom has called for greater national support for wildfire preparedness, including in a proposed executive order sent to the federal government earlier this year.

The LA Times reported that Newsom’s proposal challenged federal authorities to match the state’s level of investment in training and workforce readiness.

Historic development of Cal Fire’s training programme

Cal Fire’s original training centre opened in Ione, California in 1967 with 32 students and remained the sole facility for 50 years.

A second centre was established in Riverside in 2017, followed by a third in Redding in 2023.

The opening of the Atwater Training Center in 2025 brings the total number of Cal Fire training centres to four.

Each centre is supported by cadres of instructors delivering standardised training across the state.

The Atwater facility will house two of the department’s seven instructor teams.

California firefighter training centre opens amid national staffing shortage: Summary

The LA Times has reported that Cal Fire opened a new training centre in Atwater, Merced County.

The facility welcomed its first 40 students on Monday.

It is the fourth training centre operated by Cal Fire.

The site has capacity for 300 students annually.

Cal Fire expects to train 1,600 firefighters across all centres in 2025.

The training programme lasts 10 weeks and includes live fire exercises.

Nicole Gissell, assistant chief, said graduates must be ready to lead incidents.

Cal Fire currently employs 12,223 personnel.

The number of authorised positions has doubled since 2017.

The department’s budget has also doubled since 2017.

Federal firefighting roles remain 27 percent vacant, according to ProPublica.

Governor Gavin Newsom has urged federal investment in wildfire preparedness.

Firefighter training enhanced with S-64 simulator for Korea Forest Aviation Headquarters

by Aerial FirefightingFeatured NewsTrainingWildland Fire

Simulator to support firefighter training in Korea

Entrol has announced the sale of a new S-64 Level 6 flight training device (FTD) to the Korea Forest Aviation Headquarters, according to a company press release.

The simulator is scheduled to be delivered and installed in South Korea by the end of 2026.

The S-64 FTD is designed to provide specialist firefighter training for pilots operating one of the world’s most complex firefighting helicopters.

The device includes high-resolution visuals, NVIS capabilities, and simulation systems tailored for missions involving aerial firefighting, water collection, and external cargo handling.

It will support pilot readiness for high-risk operations through increased safety, realism, and training consistency.

Details of the S-64E helicopter simulator

The simulator replicates the S-64E helicopter model and integrates Entrol’s Control Loading System and dual Garmin GTN 750 Xi avionics.

Entrol explained that the system includes a full ENWALL LED visual solution and the ENVISION system for accurate graphics and colour fidelity.

A vibration platform, post-mission Debriefing Station, and fire-specific Entrol Mission Package will also be included.

This package allows pilots to rehearse missions involving sea snorkels, firefighting with water cannons, and external loads.

Simulator designed in collaboration with Korean agent

The project was developed in cooperation with JINONE Heli-Support, Entrol’s authorised agent in South Korea.

Entrol said that the collaboration helped ensure the simulator would meet Korea Forest Aviation Headquarters’ specific environmental and operational needs.

JINONE will continue to work with Entrol to support local communications and deployment activities.

The company added that local insights contributed to tailoring the technology for Korea’s unique geography and fire conditions.

Enhancing helicopter training for public emergency operations

The Korea Forest Aviation Headquarters operates 50 helicopters from 12 bases across the country.

According to the agency, the fleet supports firefighting, search and rescue, and forest disaster response operations.

Established in 1971, Korea Forest Aviation Headquarters is part of the Korea Forest Service.

The new simulator is intended to increase preparedness for wildfire and forestry missions.

Entrol describes simulator as technically advanced

Entrol Business Manager Iñigo Hernández said: “The S-64 FTD Level 6 simulator for the Korea Aviation Headquarters is one of our most complex and challenging projects.

“Replicating such a specialised helicopter is a technical feat and a clear demonstration of our ability to develop tailored solutions.

“This unit will be the second existing S-64 FTD available worldwide, strengthens our leadership in high-fidelity simulation for critical missions, especially in firefighting.”

Hernández added: “Working with JINONE has been essential to understanding and adapting the simulator to the specific Korean environment and operational needs of our client.

“We are confident this simulator will elevate pilot training and safety in highly sensitive missions such as firefighting.”

Firefighter training enhanced with S-64 simulator for Korea Forest Aviation Headquarters: Summary

Entrol has announced the sale of an S-64E Level 6 simulator to the Korea Forest Aviation Headquarters.

The simulator will be delivered and installed by the end of 2026.

It is designed for aircraft-specific firefighter training.

The simulator includes a full visual system, NVIS capabilities, and a vibration platform.

It also features Entrol’s fire mission modules and post-mission analysis station.

The Korea Forest Aviation Headquarters operates 50 helicopters across 12 bases.

The agency conducts wildfire suppression, rescue, and forest disaster response operations.

The simulator was developed in collaboration with JINONE Heli-Support.

JINONE contributed to adapting the system to Korean operational requirements.

This will be the second S-64 simulator of its kind worldwide.

Training’s new dimension, with Fire Service College  

by Breaking NewsTraining

Clair Mowbray, director at the Fire Service College, discusses the new AI-powered Immersive Skills Lab and its impact on firefighter training and decision-making 

In January, 2025 HRH The Princess Royal officially opened a new Immersive Skills Lab at Capita’s Fire Service College (FSC) as part of the College’s 50th anniversary celebrations. The AI-powered training suite has been designed to enhance firefighter training through hyper-realistic virtual scenarios, enabling firefighters to train in complex fire situations with full freedom of movement in a controlled, risk-free environment.  

To be used to complement live training with real fires, which will remain pivotal to training at the College, the AI-driven Lab provides a safe and environmentally friendly way to develop critical decision-making and operational skills. 

By integrating technology with hands-on experience, the FSC aims to enhance firefighter preparedness while aligning with broader national resilience strategies.

Clair Mowbray

The Immersive Skills Lab represents a step towards the future of fire service training, offering scalable and adaptable solutions that could extend to other emergency response disciplines.  

International Fire and Safety Journal editor Iain Hoey spoke with Clair Mowbray, director at the FSC, about the lab’s capabilities, the role of AI in training and what this means for the next generation of emergency responders. 

Can you introduce yourself and your role at the Fire Service College? 

My name is Clair Mowbray. I joined the College in 2021 as director of learning and transformation before being made director of establishment in 2024. For fifty years, the 300-acre site in Moreton-in-Marsh has served as the central fire training establishment in the UK, from those in junior ranks positions to Chief Fire Officers, as well as supporting wider emergency services and first responders across the UK and internationally.  

Capita’s long-term strategic vision for the FSC is for the site to expand its focus to support national exercising, address civil preparedness and support innovation. I am privileged to lead the College at such a pivotal time.  

What led to the creation of the AI-powered Immersive Skills Lab? 

The Immersive Skills Lab was created to enhance the learning experience while addressing safety, environmental and logistical challenges of live fire exercises. Traditional training is resource-intensive and can be hazardous. This is coupled with research showing that blending simulated learning environments into practical training can aid someone in understanding and knowledge 40% faster than traditional methods of learning.  

AI-driven simulations provide realistic, high-pressure scenarios in a risk-free setting. They allow firefighters to practice decision-making, adapt to unpredictable conditions and exercise complex incidents.

Clair Mowbray

The Lab also ensures consistent, scalable learning accessible to fire services worldwide. By reducing the environmental impact of live burns, the technology provides a sustainable, cost-effective solution that complements real-world training while improving situational awareness and emergency response capabilities.  

How does the lab function and what technologies are integrated into the system? 

The Lab uses virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI) and motion-tracking to create hyper-realistic fire scenarios. Firefighters wear VR headsets, moving freely in a simulated environment. AI-driven fire modelling ensures realistic flame, smoke and heat behaviour. Haptic feedback enhances the experience, mimicking heat and resistance. Sensors track movements, allowing interaction with virtual tools.  

AI adapts scenarios based on trainee actions, ensuring dynamic learning. Performance data is analysed for feedback, improving decision-making and response times. This integration provides an immersive, adaptable training experience, preparing firefighters for real-world emergencies in a controlled, risk-free setting. 

How does AI improve firefighter training over traditional exercises? 

AI enhances the learning experience by providing dynamic, realistic simulations without the risks of live fire exercises. Unlike physical training, AI-driven scenarios can adapt in real-time, testing decision-making under evolving conditions.

It allows for repeated practice of complex incidents, such as industrial fires or hazardous material spills, which are difficult to recreate safely.  

Clair Mowbray

AI also enables detailed performance analysis, offering personalised feedback. Additionally, it is environmentally sustainable, reducing carbon emissions from live burns. By integrating AI with traditional methods, firefighters gain experience in both practical skills and cognitive decision-making, ensuring better preparedness for real-life emergencies. 

What scenarios can the Lab simulate, and how realistic are they? 

The Immersive Skills Lab simulates diverse incidents, including aviation fires, road traffic accidents, industrial blazes, high-rise rescues and chemical spills. AI-driven fire modelling ensures realistic flame spread, ventilation effects and structural hazards. Variables such as wind changes, flashovers and collapses challenge firefighters to adapt. Real-life case studies can be recreated, allowing learners to analyse past incidents and test response strategies.  

The interactive environment ensures each scenario is unique, promoting continuous learning. This approach enables firefighters to experience high-risk situations safely, refining their skills in decision-making, teamwork and emergency response before facing real-world emergencies. 

How does this technology improve decision-making in emergencies? 

The AI-powered lab enhances preparedness by exposing firefighters to complex, high-risk scenarios in a safe environment. AI dynamically adjusts incidents based on learners actions, requiring quick decision-making and adaptability. Real-time performance tracking identifies strengths and areas for improvement.

Firefighters develop situational awareness, risk assessment skills and teamwork strategies without real-world consequences.  

Clair Mowbray

By practising diverse scenarios repeatedly, they build confidence and refine critical thinking under pressure. This ensures they are better prepared for unpredictable emergencies, improving response efficiency and safety in real-life operations while reducing training risks and environmental impact.  

What feedback have you received from firefighters and trainers who have used the Lab? 

The AI-simulated environment has received positive endorsement from a wide range of learners.  It has enabled them to practice outside of teaching time to become confident in what they need to do.  Blending teaching technologies into firefighter training is still maturing, but this Immersive Skills Lab has enables us to support different clients in considering its use and supporting them to blend AI simulation into their training programmes.  We support by providing experience, teaching capability and support to develop scenarios to meet our customer’s needs. 

What are the next steps for expanding or refining the use of AI in firefighter training? 

The next steps may include expanding AI capabilities to create even more complex, multi-agency training scenarios, providing simulated exercising, integrating additional environmental factors and emergency variables. Enhancements in haptic feedback and biometric tracking could further improve realism.  

Future developments may involve AI-driven personalised learning pathways, where learning adapts to individual performance. Expanding remote accessibility will allow more fire services worldwide to benefit from AI-powered training. Additionally, integrating AI simulations into blended learning programmes alongside live fire exercises will create a comprehensive, flexible training model that continually evolves with firefighting challenges and technological advancements. 

This article was originally published in the April 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.