By Jack Colantuono

ABC Gippsland

Topic: Virtual Reality

Fri 10 Jul 2026 at 8:30am

The FLAIM simulator helps firefighters practice.

In short:

The Country Fire Authority uses virtual reality to train firefighters.

There may be more bushfires in Victoria due to hot weather.

What's next?

The CFA will use new driving simulators to train volunteers.

Firefighters in eastern Victoria are using virtual reality to prepare for bushfires.

They are wearing special kits to practice fighting fires.

The deputy chief officer says they are getting ready for the bushfire season.

The bushfire season may start earlier than usual.

An El Niño event may bring hot and dry weather to Victoria.

The CFA has new virtual reality equipment to help firefighters practice.

The upcoming bushfire season could be more serious than before.

The CFA is also using drones with thermal imaging cameras.

The drones are quick and easy to use.

Fighting fire with VR

Volunteers used the FLAIM virtual reality equipment for the first time in June.

The Erica firefighting crew is one of the first to use the new VR system.

The VR system helps firefighters practice safely.

Russell Wright says the VR training helps volunteers maintain their skills.

Having the VR training sets is good for learning and morale.

The VR training means firefighters can practice without driving far away.

Everyone learns from the VR training sessions.

The training aims to boost volunteer confidence and teamwork.

'Be prepared for anything'

The Bureau of Meteorology says El Niño is active.

El Niño may become the strongest event in the modern era.

People should not rely on seasonal conditions when planning for emergencies.

Australia has had more disasters in recent years.

ABC Gippsland — local news in your inbox

Fri 10 Jul 2026 at 8:30am

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