In a first for Australian fire agencies, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is partnering with the University of New South Wales (UNSW) to develop cutting-edge, Artificial Intelligence-based immersive disaster simulation and training systems.
UNSW has invested more than $35 million in multiple AI-powered programs that FRNSW intend to use to train its firefighters in realistic scenarios.
Virtual reality setting
Firefighters will be able to train in a VR setting at the FRNSW Emergency Services
Under the partnership, the university is providing $250,000 worth of ‘iFire’ technology to FRNSW, that will allow for the firefighter and incident commander training.
Firefighters will be able to train in a virtual reality (VR) setting at the FRNSW Emergency Services Academy, where they can respond to a range of mock scenarios to prepare for the real thing.
iFire technology
The scenarios will be based in peri-urban settings, where factors such as wind speed and direction can be simulated to build situational awareness.
Still in its early stages, the iFire technology could in the future be used to simulate a range of complex scenarios, such as an emergency in a busy urban environment, requiring a multi-agency response.
Innovative approach to response training
Dib said the partnership allows for an innovative approach to response training and preparedness
Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, said the partnership allows for an innovative approach to response training and preparedness.
“FRNSW is pioneering the way in the education and training space by exploring opportunities that overcome the challenges of distance,” Minister Dib said.
Incident response skills
Minister Dib added: “This technology can effectively put our firefighters in the centre of a simulated fireground or other emergency, allowing them to develop their incident response skills and prepare for the real thing."
FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM, said the partnership cements FRNSW as an industry pioneer in the applied research space. He adds, “The technology has been successfully utilised in underground mining applications, and we intend to use it to better understand the dangers of bushfires and urban incidents.”
Innovative use of immersive technology
UNSW is proud to be partnering with FRNSW in this innovative use of immersive technology
Jeremy Fewtrell continues: “The technology will also allow our people to practice their incident command and response when it comes to large-scale emergencies.”
Vice-Chancellor and President of UNSW Sydney, Professor Attila Brungs, said UNSW is proud to be partnering with FRNSW in this innovative use of immersive technology.
Firefighting techniques and emergency decision making
“The collaboration between UNSW and FRNSW to develop iFire to create immersive training modules is set to enhance the skills of our first responders, which will be of great benefit to our communities,” said Professor Brungs.
He adds, “We also look forward to the progress this frontline research will bring to firefighting techniques and emergency decision making.”