CFA Deploys Mobile VR Fleet to Train Volunteer Firefighters
Victoria's Country Fire Authority is adopting five high-tech mobile simulators to prepare responders for high-risk emergency driving scenarios.
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) in Victoria is upgrading its volunteer training capabilities through a new partnership with Australian firm MOTUM Simulation. The project involves the development of five state-of-the-art, trailer-based mobile driving simulators designed to prepare responders for the most dangerous conditions they face on the road.
These mobile units utilize True Motion 6-degree-of-freedom (6DoF) technology combined with VR headsets and eye-tracking to create a high-fidelity experience. Training takes place within the MOTUM World synthetic environment, allowing volunteers to practice complex maneuvers in a controlled setting. The first completed simulator is scheduled to make its public debut at AFAC2026 in August.
Addressing High-Risk Training
This initiative is part of the CFA's commitment to enhancing driver capability across metropolitan and regional Victoria. Traditionally, training for critical environments—such as navigating smoke-covered roads or managing Code 1 emergencies—carries significant inherent risks. By moving these exercises into a virtual space, the CFA can simulate life-threatening scenarios without endangering volunteer firefighters, instructors, or the public.
Industry Implications
This deployment creates one of the largest mobile simulation fleets for emergency services in Australia. Shifting high-risk training to a virtual environment provides the CFA with objective and repeatable metrics for driver performance. Beyond safety, the move reduces physical wear and tear on expensive emergency vehicles, ensuring that fleet assets remain available for active duty rather than being depleted by training exercises.
Steve Hoinville, Managing Director of MOTUM Simulation, noted that the technology allows these dangerous scenarios to be experienced repeatedly without exposing personnel or equipment to unnecessary risk.
Future Outlook
While the first unit is set for its August debut at AFAC2026, the CFA continues to roll out the remaining units to ensure full operational coverage across the state. The success of this fleet will likely serve as a benchmark for how other emergency services in the region integrate synthetic training to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world emergency response.