UNSW Sydney and Fire and Rescue NSW have launched iFire 2.0, the world’s first AI-driven scenario-modelling system that allows firefighters and communities to experience and prepare for megafire conditions before they occur.
The technology will be demonstrated at AFAC26 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
About iFire 2.0
Combining artificial intelligence, immersive visualisation and advanced simulation, iFire 2.0 is designed to strengthen emergency response capability and community resilience as fire seasons become more extreme.
Building on iFire 1.0, showcased at UNSW earlier this year, the new system uses advanced machine-learning trained on a large fire-behaviour data sets to model fast-moving, unpredictable fires like those seen during Australia’s Black Summer and current European seasons.
iFire provides an immersive environment where users can navigate simulated firegrounds, practise decision-making under pressure and rehearse response strategies safely.
Scientia Professor Dennis Del Favero, Director of the iCinema Research Centre at UNSW Sydney says:
“Megafires can behave in ways that defy established expectations and response procedures.
“iFire 2.0 lets users rehearse their response to these unpredictable conditions in a safe, immersive environment. By selecting variables such as wind speed and temperature, users can generate and explore extreme fire scenarios, rehearse their preparedness and develop the confidence and resilience needed when conditions become catastrophic.
“The partnership demonstrates the value of collaboration between emergency services and academia in driving innovation and developing next-generation capability for firefighters and communities alike.”
The technology can support operational planning, incident management training, community preparedness and post-event review. It is intended to complement established practical training by providing a safe, repeatable environment to rehearse responses to uncertain and rapidly evolving fire conditions.
Partnership
The iFire program is part of a five-year partnership between UNSW and Fire and Rescue NSW.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY – FILMING OPPORTUNITY + B-ROLL AVAILABLE
Media attending the demonstration can:
• experience and film the iFire 2.0 immersive environment
• speak with Scientia Professor Dennis Del Favero
• speak with Inspector Gonzalo Herrera from Fire and Rescue NSW. Inspector Herrera has 19 years operational experience and is an Adjunct Fellow with the iCinema Research Centre creating new immersive learning platforms.
• see how AI-based scenario modelling is being integrated into emergency services training
• explore applications for wildfire preparedness, community resilience and incident management.
YouTube videos
https://www.unsw.edu.au/research/icinema/our-research/projects/ifire
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4RgLOOEeLQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1woqOLfV8wM
B-roll: Click link.
Event details
Event: AFAC 2026
Exhibitor: UNSW Sydney’s iCinema Research Centre
Location: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Stand 624
Date and time: Tuesday August 18 1pm – 3pm
Contact: Dennis Del Favero 0412 468 645
Contact details:
Contact: Professor Dennis Del Favero 0412 468 645
