VR SAFE
Innovative and Safe Virtual Reality Training Exercises for Firefighters
Innovative Virtual Reality Training
Training new wildland firefighters is crucial to safely mitigating and suppressing catastrophic fires while leveraging naturally occurring fire as a tool. Traditional training often lacks real-world immersion, making it challenging for novice firefighters to fully understand the diverse conditions they will face. This gap can lead to unpreparedness, risking lives, property, and environmental health.
To address this critical need, Northrop Grumman, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, developed VR SAFE (Virtual Reality Scenarios Assisting Firefighting Exercises) — innovative virtual reality training. VR SAFE immerses users in 360-degree wildland fire environments, enhancing their understanding of fire behavior, vegetation, and terrain. This cutting-edge tool enables realistic and safe training experiences for wildland firefighters and community stakeholders.
Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program (WFAP)
In 2025, the VR SAFE team deployed a groundbreaking solution using 360-degree photos mapped to VR spaces. Instructors guide groups through up to 12 different VR scenes, each set in various U.S. forests.
Firefighters wear VR headsets and navigate immersive environments, where instructors highlight vegetation characteristics and pose questions on fire behavior. A comprehensive instructor guide complements the VR experience.
VR Training Outcomes
- Over 120 participants trained at the Wildland Fire Training and Conference Center in Sacramento.
- Majority of participants comfortably spent 35–45 minutes in VR environments.
- 92% of participants reported enhancing their knowledge of fire suppression terminology.
- 86% felt confident explaining how conditions affect fire behavior.
- 89% believed their knowledge would further the USDA Forest Service mission.
- 89% reported full engagement with the VR experience.
Community Education and Public Awareness
How does VR SAFE assist community stakeholders?
VR SAFE offers a second immersive solution to educate the public and address misconceptions regarding prescribed burns. Users can explore environments prepped for controlled burns and learn about environmental benefits post-burn, thus fostering community understanding and acceptance of controlled burns.
What are the ecological benefits of controlled burns?
- Managing insect populations
- Clearing travel areas and reducing catastrophic fire risks
- Supporting fire-adapted plant growth
- Mitigating invasive species
What are some future capabilities?
The VR SAFE initiative is expanding its capabilities with VR SAND (Sand table Activities to Navigate Decision-making). This virtual sand table allows firefighters to practice strategic, operational, and tactical decision-making using realistic terrain models created from satellite imagery. These interactive, easily resettable exercises enhance critical thinking and environmental awareness in the classroom.
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