According to their web site, E-Semble “develops simulation software for the education, training and assessment of incident response and safety professionals, such as police, fire and medical services”. In the video above, they combined flight simulation software with their wildfire response simulation.
Fire simulations have changed since the 1980s. The one we used at Descanso Station in California used four overhead projectors behind a rear-projection screen, and two four-track reel-to-reel tape recorders that enabled eight possible sound effects. Involved in putting on the simulations were a director, an audio technician, a visual technician, and three to four role players. It was a very effective training tool.
The technology is there, just the money and willingness to do it. Took a avalanche rescue class back in the mid 70s and they used a combination of slides, overheads, radios, field work and role players to produce a great simulation. Sort of stone age compared to today, but it worked. It was complete with desperate mothers of missing kids, intoxicated skiers and pesky press. Had us all sweating in our ski boots.
Pretty cool. Need to order a lead plane and air attack!