Innovative Technology Brings Bushfire Training to Life Across WA

In a significant step forward for bushfire preparedness, the Bushfire Centre of Excellence (BCoE), in collaboration with Dr. Rohan Fisher from Charles Darwin University, has developed an innovative bushfire simulation tool to enhance bushfire training and community education across Western Australia.

The Projection Augmented Landscape Model (PALM) is a highly interactive simulation tool that brings bushfire scenarios to life in a tangible, hands-on environment. Utilising a detailed 3D-printed terrain base, PALM projects dynamic bushfire simulations onto its surface, allowing users to visually grasp how fires behave under varying fuel loads and weather conditions.

Built with both online and offline capabilities, the model provides a safe, hands-on environment for users to actively explore fire spread, severity and the effectiveness of different mitigation strategies. This unique approach offers significant advantages for both firefighters and the community.

Russell Wells, District Officer Training Delivery, emphasised the tool's versatility. “This model gives us a powerful, practical way to visualise bushfire behaviour and test scenarios in a safe and collaborative way,” he said. “It’s not just for firefighters - we can also use it to help communities understand bushfire risks too.”

A WA Wheatbelt-focused version of the model has already been used in many training sessions and events. It has helped train Trainee Firefighters in bushfire strategies and has featured at key forums such as the Bushfire Training Assessors Forum, Chief Bush Fire Control Officer Forum and the Community Emergency Service Manager Forum. BCoE training staff are actively educating bushfire managers state-wide on how to integrate this powerful model into their local community engagement and training initiatives.

The Projection Augmented Landscape Model represents a leap forward in understanding and preparing for the complex challenges of bushfire management.

To view the work of Dr Rohan Fisher and his team online, visit https://playingwithfire.au/

For further inquiries or information, please contact the BCoE training team via email at bcoetraining@dfes.wa.gov.au.