Firewise VR Training Program

In this simulation, take on the role of a homeowner living in the wildland-urban interface (WUI), where homes and properties border forests. Apply Firewise techniques to your simulated home to increase your property's defensible space and make it easier for first responders to save your home from an incoming wildfire.

In this game, players complete tasks on a checklist, such as:

• Putting on safety gear before attempting hazardous tasks
• Clearing conifer trees and flammable dry grass that are too close to the house
• Moving logs to the woodshed
• Placing an address sign at the end of the driveway
• Planting flowers and green plants to boarder the home
• Removing gas cans from around the fuel tank
• Clearing dry leaves from the roof
• Placing a spark arrestor on the chimney

Wildfires present significant management challenges in the WUI. Alaska has a higher percentage of homes located in the WUI than any other state, underscoring the need for Alaskan homeowners to take preventative measures against fire. To educate the public about wildfire safety, the Alaska Firewise program primarily uses photos and written materials distributed at live events. However, relying on traditional media limits the program’s ability to reach new audiences. Our team sought to determine whether a VR simulation could present a viable alternative or supplement to traditional media. We collaborated with the Alaska Fire Science Consortium and members of the Alaska Interagency Coordination Center to develop a VR game in which the user applies Firewise measures to a simulated residential property. 

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No. OIA-1757348 and by the State of Alaska.  Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.