The Engineered Solutions division of Dräger has partnered with Capita's Fire Service College (FSC) to supply a cutting-edge training tool aimed at enhancing firefighter training for tackling wildfires.
This development comes in response to the alarming wildfire statistics reported in early 2025, where 286 wildfires were registered within just four months, surpassing the annual total for any year in over a decade, according to the BBC.
The National Fire Chief Council has noted an increased risk of wildfires, leading to a heightened emphasis on improved training for firefighters.
Software-Based Display for Wildfire Training
This tool employs internationally recognized wildfire models such as the Campbell Predictions System
The Dräger Wildland-Fire Sandbox (WFS 1000) is an innovative training tool that utilizes a software-based display to simulate various fire scenarios.
This tool employs internationally recognized wildfire models such as the Campbell Predictions System and the Rothermel Fire Spread Model to realistically portray fire propagation.
The system integrates several components, including a depth camera, projector, and sandbox, to predict fire behavior based on factors like weather conditions, terrain, and firefighting tactics.
Now incorporated into Capita FSC's newly designed three-tier wildfire curriculum, the WFS 1000 is tailored to develop key knowledge and skills across all levels of fire service personnel—from new recruits to strategic incident commanders.
Realistic Training with Real Maps
The WFS 1000 is equipped with real maps and satellite images, enabling the Fire Service College to provide safe yet realistic training experiences. This allows firefighters to seamlessly transition the skills developed in training to real-world situations.
Pippa Steele, Head of Teaching, Learning and Digital at Capita FSC, emphasizes the importance of this tool: "Training is all about making sure firefighters are prepared and equipped with vital experience as soon as we see new threats emerging. That is why Capita is committed to harnessing cutting-edge technology to strengthen safety and resilience."
She further highlights that the tool's intuitive design facilitates complete immersion in the learning process, turning theoretical knowledge into interactive, practical skill sets.
Meeting the Challenge of Rising Wildfire Incidences
Thomas Pearson, Marketing Manager (Industry) at Dräger, underlines the unique capabilities of the WFS 1000, particularly in light of increasing wildfire occurrences: "Rising incidences of wildfires has accelerated the need for more firefighters to be trained, and our solution will enhance the authentic training of firefighters by bringing wildfire incidents to life without putting any firefighters at risk."
Dräger is known for its commitment to creating technology that protects and saves lives, ensuring that firefighters are better equipped to meet evolving challenges on the ground.
The Engineered Solutions division of Dräger, an international pioneer in the fields of medical and safety technology, has provided Capita’s Fire Service College (FSC) with a highly intuitive training tool to enhance the theoretical and tactical training required to tackle wildfires.
In the first four months of 2025, a staggering 286 wildfires were recorded, with the BBC reporting that the area of the UK burnt by wildfire so far this year is already higher than the total for any year in more than a decade.
The National Fire Chief Council is warning there is currently a heightened risk of wildfires that is resulting in increased investment in wildfire training and a greater need to develop firefighters' skill.
Software-based display
The intelligent design of Dräger Wildland-Fire Sandbox (WFS 1000) uses a software-based display allowing for multiple scenarios of fire propagation to be realistically demonstrated, based on internationally recognized wildfire calculation models (Campbell Predictions System and Rothermel Fire Spread Model).
Comprising multiple components including a depth camera, projector and sandbox, the integrated software is used to accurately predict fire propagation against numerous simulation parameters, taking into consideration weather conditions, terrain and tactics employed to extinguish the fire.
The WFS 1000 training tool is now part of Capita FSC’s new three tier wildfire curriculum, which develops the necessary knowledge, skills and behaviors for all levels of fire service personnel, from new recruits to strategic incident commanders.
Real maps and satellite images
The WFS 1000’s use of real maps and satellite images means that the College can deliver realistic training in a safe space enabling the trainees to transfer the skills they’ve developed into the real world.
Pippa Steele Head of Teaching, Learning and Digital at Capita FSC says the WFS 1000 will provide firefighters with the skills they require: “Training is all about making sure firefighters are prepared and equipped with vital experience as soon as we see new threats emerging. That is why Capita is committed to harnessing cutting-edge technology to strengthen safety and resilience.”
“An important quality of the training tool is that it is intuitive and easy for trainers and learners to use to allow full immersion in the learning experience. Dräger’s technology provides these requirements and more. As a result, we have been able to develop a course that brings theory to life and delivers interactive training to firefighters that is transferable to real-world experiences.”
Rising incidences of wildfires
Thomas Pearson, Marketing Manager (Industry) Breathing Systems & Engineered Solutions at Dräger says its engineering experts have been able to deliver a training tool unlike any other in the UK: “Rising incidences of wildfires has accelerated the need for more firefighters to be trained, and our solution will enhance the authentic training of firefighters by bringing wildfire incidents to life without putting any firefighters at risk.
“At Dräger, we pride ourselves on designing technology for life, and are committed to protecting, supporting, and saving lives through our designs.”
