A virtual reality team at National Taiwan Normal University has created a new way to learn fire safety skills. Their VR training system helps users practice ways to respond to fires, training skills that could help save lives. Since a tragic fire in Kaohsiung in October, which was Taiwan''s deadliest fire in decades, the need for fire safety skills is once more in focus.

The sounds of screams and flames come from this VR headset. The user contends with a very convincing simulation, as they use a control-stick to put out the fire, or find an emergency exit. The training system teaches you how to escape, step by step.

Mr. Chang
VR user
The voices in it are really rushed. It feels just like a fire. The situation is, a fire is burning there in front of you, and you really feel like you want to rush to put it out.

The virtual reality system was designed by a team at NTNU. You can choose a single category to train, and repeat the challenge again and again, to train yourself in the steps to safety. Or you can choose a full simulation, which requires a more spontaneous response.

Dr. Tai Kai-yin
NTNU Industrial Education Dept.
When you''re using it, if there''s a problem at any step, or you make a mistake, then straight away, text and voice comes up to give you feedback, to tell the student which step was flawed. The immediate reaction lets the student correct themselves.

Stats from the interior ministry show that there were about 62 accidental fires in Taiwan in 2020. The annual death rate from fires stands at 2.46 people a year. The recent tragedy in Kaohsiung highlights the importance of fire safety skills.

Prof. Hung Jung-shao
NTNU Industrial Education Dept.
This system can be applied without changing anything much. You can just take it to organizations, such as management committees. If the management committees of large residential buildings need to, they can experience it.

The development team hopes their system will be used in fire prevention education facilities, and the educational branches of fire departments. The goal is to help everyone learn how to prevent and respond to fires effectively.