Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) has recently implemented a wildfire simulator created by firefighter and FBU member Luke Butterworth. The simulator is an advance in training techniques for wildfires and other results of climate change.
The simulator works by creating a 3D topographical map of a moorland area, then projecting the map onto a sandpit, to create a scale model of the hills, valleys and map features out of the sand.
A satellite image of the area is then projected onto the sand and animations such as fire spread, smoke and wind can be added to produce an accurate scale model of a wildfire incident.
The practical and interactive training has seen huge improvements in the way theory and classroom-based wildfire sessions are presented, allowing learners to see practical examples of how factors in the wildfire prediction system (wind, slope, aspect) affect fire spread and behaviour.
LFRS has used the wildfire simulator to assist with introducing recruits to wildfires as well as specialised burns training delivered to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.
