Fire Service College opens AI-powered technology suite to support training firefighters

• HRH The Princess Royal has officially opened a new ‘virtual reality’ immersive technology suite as part of the FSC’s 50^th anniversary celebrations
• With a large, free-roam VR capability, the FSC can now deliver realistic training scenarios with complete freedom of movement

Capita’s Fire Service College (FSC) has opened a new Immersive Skills Lab, a purpose-built, fully flexible learning space created to support practical and collaborative firefighter training and skills development.

While live incident training – including tackling real fires – will remain the cornerstone of training at the College, the Immersive Skills Lab uses AI to replicate hyper-realistic real fire scenarios whilst eliminating the associated safety and environmental concerns.

In doing so, the new lab will allow current and the next generation of firefighters to develop and hone their skills in a safe and controlled environment, where approaches to tackling fires can be finessed without real-world consequences.

The use of AI to deliver this advanced learning and training aligns with Capita’s strategy of integrating technology with people and processes to enhance experiences and outcomes for clients.

For fifty years, the 300-acre site in Moreton-in-Marsh has served as the central fire training establishment in the UK, from those in junior ranks positions to Chief Fire Officers, as well as supporting wider emergency services and first responders. Capita’s long-term strategic vision for the FSC is for the site to expand its focus to support resilience framework, address civil preparedness and support innovation.

Colleagues at the FSC were honoured to have HRH Princess Anne in attendance to open the technology lab. The College has a long and proud history of hosting members of the Royal family, beginning in 1974 when the late Queen Elizabeth II opened the College.

Clair Mowbray, director at the FSC, said:

“The opening of our new Immersive Skills Lab will enhance digital capabilities to ensure that learning and training remains world-leading at the College.

“Firefighters at all experience levels will be even better equipped to build the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to respond to a range of complex emergency situations and enhance their preparedness for high-risk incidents.”

David Hook CBE, managing director for Capita Defence and National Preparedness, said:

“The sophisticated application of technology will grow in importance across Capita’s Defence and National Preparedness businesses. In common with Capita applying ‘virtual reality’ technology into its Defence contracts, improving the quality and experience in training, the construction of this state-of-the-art Immersive Skills Lab will ensure that firefighters gain experience that better prepares them to respond to unpredictable challenges in real world scenarios.

“We anticipate using the Immersive Technology Lab across Capita’s Defence businesses in order to meet the complex and evolving needs of our clients.”

FIRE Magazine

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