Durham University researchers have found that games like Half Life 2 and Doom 3 have an underlying software code that is ideal for building virtual worlds to train people in fire evacuation procedures.

Researchers tried their hand at Far Cry, Quake III Arena, Doom 3, F.E.A.R., Half Life 2 and Counter-Strike: Source to compare capabilities for 3D rendering, sound, user input and word dynamics. These first person shooter computer games include an array of weapons, even fire extinguishers and environments with wind, smoke, fire and water - features which were easily adapted to emulate fire evacuation. Using virtual environments can help identify problems with the layout of a building, help familiarise people with evacuation routines and teach people good practice in fire safety.

Steve Wharton, Deputy Community Safety Manager at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service commented: “Using virtual models such as this one is an excellent way to raise fire safety awareness and test the effectiveness of a building’s design. Virtual models also provide an effective way to train fire-fighters in a realistic, yet safe, environment.” Undoubtedly, it’s the most fun way to learn about health and safety!

A 3D model of a real world building and three fire evacuation scenarios were programmed in three weeks by a single developer. This was only possible by using the basic code from a tried and tested game allowing quick programming, saving time and money.

The source code from Half Life 2 was used to programme the fire safety ‘game’ which includes features such as fire alarm triggers, fire exit signs and spreading fires.
A video of the virtual reality model can be found here http://www.dur.ac.uk/shamus.smith/fire/

By Leila Sattary