Virtual Reality fire training

A second test burn – named Kelpie - which allows realistic fire investigation training to be carried out on scenes using Virtual Reality took place at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Training site, Portlethen, on 5 June. Representatives from Forensic Services, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, Police Scotland, Danish Police and independent fire investigation body Hawkins, witnessed the burn which was reported by BBC Scotland news and across social media.

The Virtual Reality technology used in the burn was developed, trialled, and delivered by colleagues from Police Scotland Digital Division and was formally handed over to Forensic Services on 21 June. This ground-breaking technology has been developed through a joint collaboration with partners and is designed specifically to improve knowledge and understanding around fire investigations while increasing training opportunities for staff.