A state-of-the-art virtual reality training program that simulates dangerous fire scenarios such as house fires, grassfires and plane fires, while teaching real life firefighting skills, is set to be rolled out across the state.

Similar to flight-simulator technology but designed specifically for firefighters, the Virtual Firefighter training program will enhance firefighting skills in a low-risk environment and without the logistics and cost of burning physical assets.

Visiting a demonstration of the program at Portarlington today, Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville was joined by CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernen and FLAIM Systems Chief Executive Officer James Mullins in officially launching the state-wide program, funded by the Andrews Labor Government.

Using a combination of real firefighting equipment such as breathing apparatus and hose reels, as well automated sense-perception devices such as heat pads, trainees immersed in the virtual reality program – FLAIM Trainer and FLAIM Extinguisher – get to experience the visual and sensory feelings of being in a fire.

The virtual firefighting technology, developed by Geelong-based company FLAIM Systems in partnership with Deakin University, has been blind-tested by 329 CFA firefighters across 30 brigades.

CFA has purchased five FLAIM Trainer and 10 FLAIM Extinguisher systems and will roll out the virtual training program to its over 30,000 strong volunteer base this year.

The initial concept for a virtual reality firefighting training system came from CFA volunteers themselves and has been in development since 2017, including a pilot program also funded by the government.

The Virtual Firefighter pilot and roll out of Virtual Firefighter is funded through a $60 million investment in our state’s fire and rescue sector, as part of the 2017 Fire Services Statement.