CFA expands immersive firefighter training in Victoria with FLAIM Systems
Iain Hoey
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Victoria’s CFA increases virtual training capability for volunteers
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) in Victoria, Australia has expanded its use of immersive learning systems from FLAIM Systems to support firefighter training and assessment across its volunteer network.
According to FLAIM, the CFA has procured an additional 10 FLAIM Trainer systems and 5 Incident Command Modules as part of a second-phase rollout, building on its initial investment in 2020.
These systems will be used to enhance team-based training and skills assessments across CFA’s 1,200 volunteer brigades throughout Victoria.
Rohan Luke, Deputy Chief Officer – Operational Doctrine and Training at CFA, said the newer generation of systems were easier to set up and operate than the previous versions.
Luke said: “We are pleased to increase our investment in FLAIM’s Trainer systems.
“The key difference we’ll see in the field over time is that whilst skills maintenance is a fantastic opportunity for VR, we’re looking to move VR to course delivery and assessment.
“There will be several courses that, instead of having to travel to a training centre or do hot fire training, we believe we can meet our RTO requirements by offering some assessments through VR.”
Skills maintenance and remote access are key benefits
FLAIM reported that the CFA is using the systems primarily for brigade-level skills maintenance.
The immersive setup supports both experienced firefighters and new recruits, allowing for consistent training delivery regardless of location.
The system is designed for flexible use and is being deployed in rural and remote areas where travel to central training sites can be difficult.
FLAIM stated that the ability to deliver scalable training with fewer logistical challenges is a core benefit of the rollout.
The systems are also helping address travel barriers for firefighters needing to access assessment pathways.
New modules reflect Victoria’s risk priorities
According to FLAIM, the second-phase rollout will include scenario modules focusing on rural-urban interface incidents, asset protection operations, and burn-over events.
These priorities align with the CFA’s operational risk profile in Victoria.
The modules are being integrated into the organisation’s Victorian Emergency Management Training Centre (VEMTC).
FLAIM explained that these training environments are being used to complement traditional live-fire training.
This integration is part of the CFA’s approach to developing a blended training model combining physical and virtual learning.
CFA explores VR for future course assessments
The CFA is evaluating how virtual reality training may replace elements of formal course assessments.
Luke stated that some suppression courses could be updated to include VR-based assessments to meet Registered Training Organisation (RTO) standards.
This approach aims to increase the accessibility of certified training and reduce the need for firefighters to travel long distances.
The CFA is considering a hybrid approach that maintains compliance while improving convenience and training access.
FLAIM said this development supports a more inclusive and scalable assessment model for volunteers.
Technology partnership supported by leadership team
Simon Miller, Managing Director of FLAIM Systems, said the CFA’s extended investment supported the company’s mission to improve safety and preparedness.
Miller said: “FLAIM is honoured to see CFA further commit to immersive training and invest in the future of firefighter education.
“Our mission is to prepare people to respond to hazards and emergencies safely and confidently, and this deployment strengthens CFA’s ability to deliver scalable, high-impact training across its volunteer network.”
FLAIM also acknowledged Amanda Norris, Rohan Luke, Nicol Levi and the wider CFA team for their contributions to the project.
The company stated that leadership support has played a central role in progressing CFA’s training capabilities.
CFA expands immersive firefighter training in Victoria with FLAIM Systems: Summary
The Country Fire Authority in Victoria has expanded its use of immersive training technology from FLAIM Systems.
FLAIM reported that CFA has purchased 10 FLAIM Trainer systems and 5 Incident Command Modules.
These tools will support skills maintenance and assessment across CFA’s 1,200 volunteer brigades.
Rohan Luke, CFA’s Deputy Chief Officer, said the systems are easier to operate and will be used for assessment.
The new rollout includes modules on rural-urban interface, asset protection, and burn-over scenarios.
Modules will be integrated into the Victorian Emergency Management Training Centre.
CFA is exploring using VR for course assessments to reduce the need for travel.
Simon Miller of FLAIM said the deployment supports scalable and safe training.
The company thanked CFA leadership for supporting the rollout.
The immersive systems are expected to reduce logistical burdens for regional brigades.
The expanded use of VR aligns with CFA’s future firefighter training strategy.
