Use Cases
These models are used by a range of user groups across Australia for many different applications​​​
User Groups
Applications
Volunteer Fire Brigades
The Bushfire Model is a valuable tool for experienced firefighters to share their knowledge with new firefighters and their communities.
Volunteer Fire Brigades use the model for:
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Exercises
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Re-creating fire events for debriefs & sharing lessons learnt
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Cadet programs
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Community engagement
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School visits
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Bushfire mitigation training
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Hazard reduction burn planning & briefing
Brigades are sharing their ideas & innovations,
see what’s happening on Facebook.
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Contact us for a model that meets the needs of your brigade
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User Groups
Fire Departments
The Bushfire Model is an established training resource.
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​Trainers use the model to explain fire behaviour, lead discussions and facilitate activities. They receive valuable feedback when students use the model to demonstrate their understanding.
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With national competency alignment and practical resources in place, agencies are supporting the delivery of even more training and exercises​​​.
Using the model complements existing courses and provides evidence for online and blended learning.
​Built for firefighters and collaborative learning, the model’s strength lies in its practical design.
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​​​Contact us to view designs for every Australian State & Territory​​
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The Bushfire Model has been used for a growing range of training courses, including:​​​​​
Entry Courses
Bushfire Safety & Survival
Bushfire Characteristics & Behaviour
Supress Bushfire
Rural Fire Awareness
Operational Courses
Machine Supervision
Firefighter
Scene Preservation
Incident Supervision
Bushfire Control Prescribed Burning
Advanced and Specialist Courses Crew Leader Sector Commander Incident Controller Fire Weather
Aviation & Ground Support
Ground Controller
Airbase Manager
Air Attack Supervisor
Airbase Operator
Air Observer
Industry - Emergency Response Teams
The Bushfire Model is used as part of emergency response training in the mining sector.
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Instructors use the model to demonstrate fire behaviour and suppression strategies together with company specific standards.
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The model is a valuable training resource for simulating scenarios and enhancing training.
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Contact us to view these designs.
Applications
Training Exercises
Exercises provide the opportunity to practise decision-making, resource allocation, and strategy development - without the risks of an actual emergency.
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From small Tactical Decision Exercises to large multi-agency discussions, the Bushfire Model helps firefighters practice skills, test strategies, and share knowledge.
Exercise scenarios can range from bushfires in grasslands and forests through to fires impacting the Rural Urban Interface. As the exercise unfolds, firefighters use the model to deploy resources, make decisions, and adapt to evolving conditions.
Exercises can be kept straightforward to ensure new firefighters understand the key points or made more challenging to suit experienced firefighters.
With minimal setup, these exercises only need the Bushfire Model and firefighters; no equipment, no appliances, just teamwork and focused tactical thinking.
Common exercise formats may include:
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Tactical Exercises Without Troops
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Tactical Decision Games
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Discussion Exercises
Tactical Exercises Without Troops (TEWTs)
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TEWTs can be run with a handful of firefighters and minimal preparation or, they can be a comprehensive 1-2 hour exercise involving multiple brigades and agencies.
Using models or maps, firefighters step into the role of decision-makers to:
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Assess fire behaviour, terrain & threats
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Develop objectives, strategies and tactics
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Allocate resources & solve problems
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Practice roles including Planning, Incident Control, Division & Sector Commander, or Crew Leader
TEWTs support mentoring, leadership, communication, build teamwork and confidence — all without deploying resources.​​​​​​​​​​​​
Please contact us for more information
Tactical Decision Exercises (TDEs)
These short (10–30 min) exercises focus on a specific decision that needs to be made within a realistic time and sometimes limited information.
In a TDE, participants step into the role of a decision-maker, often an incident controller, sector commander or crew leader. In this role firefighters need to assess a scenario, make decisions, and communicate intent under realistic constraints.
Key benefits of TDEs include:
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Decision-Making Under Pressure - practice decision-making in dynamic conditions.
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Communication Skills - clearly communicate, decisions, priorities, and rationale.
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Analysis & situation awareness – Assessing fire behaviour, terrain, resources, objectives, strategies & tactics.
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Teamwork & leadership - TDEs reveal leadership styles, promote peer learning, and build trust through shared problem-solving.
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Reflective Learning - Debriefs support reflection and identify insights.​​​​
Please contact us for more information
Discussion Exercises
These exercises are a structured scenario conversation where participants are encouraged to share insights, explore strategies, and validate plans.
They are ideal for both station-based exercises and multi-agency settings such as Local Government Emergency Management Committees.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Please contact us for more information
Community & School Programs
The model can be used for community activities including bushfire awareness, bushfire mitigation programs and firefighter recruitment.
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Explaining what firefighters will be doing at a fire and the challenges they face helps people understand how important it is for them to be prepared and act in a bushfire situation.
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This advice from local firefighters assists communities to be better prepared and contributes to their resilience.
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School programs
Rural Fire Brigades have used the model as part of school visits and cadet training sessions.
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The hands-on nature of the model has made these events more engaging.
Community Events
Displaying the model attracts attention. People are drawn to the model and the events depicted, questions flow and interest is generated.
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Many community members have a keen interest in the work of firefighters. The model assists in explaining what happens at a bushfire and the work they do.
Re-creating Fire Incidents
The model can be used to re-create past bushfires for incident debriefs or sharing experiences.
Sharing these experiences can provide a valuable learning opportunity.
Bushfires can be re-created to show terrain, roads, assets, firefighting resources as well as the fire’s location and behaviour.
Bushfire Risk Reduction
Volunteer brigades continue to develop new and creative ways to use the Bushfire Model.
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A great example is how innovative brigades successfully use the model for planning, briefing and coordinating multi-agency hazard reduction burns.
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Other brigades are using the model to design Hazard Mitigation training scenarios—supporting the identification and reduction of bushfire risk.
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