Playing with fire
Simulations for thinking
about fire.
We develop bespoke online fire simulations to support knowledge sharing through play and discussion.
We build tactile 3D spaces for hands-on learning.
Our simulations aim to simply illustrate key variables influencing fire behaviour and how they interact to create complex management dynamics. We create fun, interactive and intuitive platforms that promote thinking through preventive and reactive response options for mitigating the impacts of fire. The simulations are developed for simple online accessibility. However, the models are also designed to be played as 3D tactile installations. Using 3D printing, sand and projection augmentation, we create tactile, shared spaces for hands-onengagment.
Projects
Desert Country fire sim.
Developed for the Indigenous Desert Alliance, this fire game lets you practice looking after outstations, cultural places, and important animals in the desert. You can make fire breaks and burn the grass to stop bushfires.
You can see how the weather, wind, and more spinifex grass make the fire do different things. You can also see what happens when there is lots of the invasive weed buffel grass, and how that changes fire behaviour.
3D Interactive
Using sand and 3D printed houses this game can be run in as a tactile interactive simulation. This was used most recently at the Indigenous Desert Alliance's annual conference at Yulara.
Darwin Rural block fire simulation.
Developed for the Northern Territory Government's bushfire agency, this simulation is focused on the Darwin rural area and fire hazard issues related to fuel management on residential rural blocks..
Of particular significance is controlling the very high fuel load of invasive weeds. The challenge for rural block owners is to learn how to keep fire under control by managing weeds and fire breaks.
3D Interactive
The game is also run as a 3D interactive creating a dynamic digital-tactile hybrid space that draws people in. They can't help but have a play; this kicks off thinking and discussion.
W.A Wheat Belt Fire Sim
Developed for the Western Australian government's Department of Fire and Emergency Services, this simulation was designed primarily to support fire operational response training. Focused on a 'wheat belt' town, in a region around 300 km west of Perth. Whilst predominantly surrounded by broad acre agricultural land wildfires are still a significant risk when conditions are severe. The simulation models varying rates of spread bases on fuel type and spotting from canopies.
3D Interactive
For this simulation, a wheat belt town was modelled and 3D printed to produce a 3D space for scenario gaming. The system has been used both in the tabletop format shown in the video and projected onto the floor to create a large-scale, walk-around format. 3D format is being rolled out extensively within WA fire training procedures.
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Basic firefighting training on bushfire behaviour, safety and suppression
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Intermediate training on planned burning, such as pre-burn reconnaissance, planning and then execution
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Advanced training in decision-making and incident management in a bushfire context
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Community education on bushfires, such as how they behave, how we respond and the speed at which fires can escalate
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Emergency management exercises with local governments and other stakeholders to better understand risks, responsibilities and recovery following an incident
Tiwi Island fire sim.
Developed for the Tiwi Rangers junior Ranger program. This model will be used to engage with schools on the Tiwi Islands by the rangers to get the next generation of Tiwi rangers thinking about good fire management.
Currently in development.
