Tech Innovation in Firefighting: From VR Training to Drone Rescue

In this episode of the All Things Wildfire podcast, host Kevin Sofen interviews a guest, delving into various topics related to firefighting, technology, and disaster preparedness. They discuss the guest's multifaceted career, which includes involvement in virtual reality (VR) training, drone technology, wearables for incident command, and strategic advising for fire associations. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of these fields and the importance of technological advancements in enhancing firefighting capabilities and safety protocols.

Kevin Sofen joined the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) in 2023 as a Technology Advisor to help plan and lead the 2023 Technology Summit. Kevin spent 11+ years at W.S. Darley & Company, overseeing community development, market strategy, and emerging technology. Since 2012, Kevin successfully commercialized a range of products that include packaged water in a box, virtual reality training, and autonomous drone solutions. In 2017 Kevin launched the www.SmartFireFighting.com community which highlights thought leadership and change management around technology and innovation adoption in the fire service. In 2024, Kevin joined Ascent Integrated Tech as a part-time Director of Business Development to lead indoor localization and biometric tracking technology partnerships.

The discussion covers VR training's effectiveness in simulating high-risk scenarios, such as structural fires, and the role of technology in providing realistic training experiences. They emphasize the significance of repetition and familiarity in preparing responders for emergency situations. The guest shares insights into the differences between structural firefighters and wildland firefighters, detailing the unique challenges and objectives faced by each group.

They also explore the role of technology in wildfire management, particularly the use of drones for reconnaissance, early detection, and emergency response. The guest highlights various applications of drones in firefighting operations, from delivering medical supplies to assessing fire hotspots and monitoring fire behavior. The conversation concludes with a focus on the guest's involvement in the Smart Firefighting community and their podcast, which aims to facilitate discussions on technology adoption and change management within the fire service. They reflect on the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing evolving challenges and improving public safety measures.

Show Notes:

• Introduction to the All Things Wildfire podcast and its focus on firefighting, technology, and disaster preparedness.
• Guest's diverse career background, including involvement in VR training, drone technology, and strategic advising for fire associations.
• Discussion on the effectiveness of VR training for firefighters, emphasizing the importance of realistic simulation and repetition.
• Insights into the differences between structural firefighters and wildland firefighters, highlighting unique challenges and objectives.
• Exploration of drone technology's role in wildfire management, including reconnaissance, early detection, and emergency response.
• Overview of the Smart Firefighting community and the podcast's mission to facilitate discussions on technology adoption and change management within the fire service.
• Guest's reflections on the importance of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement in enhancing public safety measures.

This episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of technology and firefighting, emphasizing the importance of leveraging innovation to address evolving challenges in disaster response and mitigation.