The Evolution of Digital Combustion and Fire Studio: Revolutionizing Fire Simulation for Firefighter Training
In the late 1990s, Southern California firefighters Rich Merritt and Doug Prochnow saw a unique opportunity to modernize fire training. In a profession where realistic scenarios are invaluable, they recognized a gap: existing simulators were limited to static pictures and crude graphics. Inspired by emerging 3D animation technology, they developed Digital Combustion, an immersive platform for creating realistic fire simulations. Their product, now known as Fire Studio, has since transformed fire training across the U.S., enabling fire departments to simulate complex scenarios with advanced visuals, realistic fire progression, and tailored training features.
From Humble Beginnings to an Industry Leader
Early in their firefighting careers, Merritt and Prochnow were drawn to the technical side of training, assisting with video production and computer-based training for their fire department. One day, while in the station library, they noticed a whiteboard with a hand-drawn fire scene used in a recent promotional exam. This sparked an idea: to bring realistic 3D fire animations into training. Merritt, who had self-taught skills in early computer 3D animation, teamed up with Prochnow, who was experimenting with computer multimedia programming. Together, they began experimenting with computer-generated fire and smoke effects, laying the foundation for what would eventually become Digital Combustion.
Their first product, (due to the limitations of 1990s technology), ran on a laser disc—a large, pre-DVD format. Scenes of fires in various stages were pre-rendered, and users navigated them by scanning barcodes in a manual, jumping to different views of a building. When they unveiled this initial version at a fire instructor’s conference, the response was overwhelming. Firefighters gathered in droves, amazed by the realistic visuals, and their concept quickly gained traction among fire training professionals.
The Introduction of Fire Studio
As computers became more powerful, Merritt and Prochnow refined their software, introducing Fire Studio—a platform that allowed firefighters to create and control their own simulations. Early adopters, like Phoenix Fire Department, integrated Fire Studio to great effect, giving Digital Combustion significant credibility in the firefighting community. Fire Studio became known for its flexibility, allowing users to customize scenarios with local buildings and conditions. For departments across the country, it quickly became a trusted tool for developing hands-on, realistic training simulations.
Features and Benefits of Fire Studio
- Realistic, Customizable Simulations: Fire Studio’s realism enables departments to create scenarios with actual photos of local buildings. These images become the backdrop for adding smoke, fire, victims, and other hazards, allowing firefighters to train in lifelike settings they may encounter on calls.
- Instructor and Player Modes: Fire Studio offers two main editions—Instructor and Player. The Instructor Edition is designed for those who want to create simulations, customize details, and use scenarios as training and testing tools. The Player Edition enables firefighters to engage in these simulations created on the Instructor Edition, making it ideal for practicing communication and response strategies. The Player Edition can also be used to show multiple views of a simulation on different screens. This dual-mode functionality supports both teaching and learning, adapting to various training needs.
- Incremental Skill Development: Fire Studio encourages departments to start with simple simulations. New users can begin with basic scenarios—a single view of a building in the initial stages of fire—and gradually increase complexity. This approach fosters confidence and familiarity with the software, while ensuring simulations align with departmental training goals.
- No Subscription Fees: Unlike many modern software platforms, Fire Studio operates without a subscription. Fire departments pay a one-time fee for the software, meaning their access is not subject to yearly budget fluctuations. The software is also updated incrementally at no additional cost, with major version upgrades available at a discounted price for existing users.
- Ease of Use and Support Resources: Digital Combustion prioritizes accessibility, offering comprehensive resources like tutorial videos, printed manuals, and free tech support. Merritt and Prochnow, both long-time firefighters (now retired), understand the challenges of introducing new technology into fire departments and ensure their software is user-friendly.
Fire Studio 7: Raising the Bar for Realism
Fire Studio 7 brings many new features designed to make simulations even more lifelike. Highlights include enhanced fire and smoke visuals, victims, high-detail structural elements like beams and windows, and improved masking options and layer elements for buildings obscured by trees or other obstacles. These updates cater to the latest graphic technologies, allowing instructors to create simulations that look virtually real.
Practical Tips for Getting Started
For departments considering Fire Studio, Merritt suggests starting simple. Begin by simulating basic, frequently encountered scenarios—like an initial fire response in a local building. Storyboarding can also help; outline the key learning points and steps before creating the full simulation. This helps instructors stay focused on essential training goals without overcomplicating the scenario. As the team becomes more comfortable with the software, they can introduce additional views or scenarios, gradually expanding their training program.
Empowering Fire Departments with Realistic Training
Digital Combustion’s Fire Studio provides an invaluable tool for firefighters and training officers alike, making it possible to practice fire response in realistic, controlled scenarios. By simulating potential local fire incidents, departments can reinforce essential skills, correct weaknesses, and prepare both command staff and crews for real-life emergencies. Fire Studio’s one-time cost, constant updates, and firefighter-first design make it an ideal choice for departments seeking a long-term, budget-friendly training solution.
For those ready to enhance their training capabilities, Fire Studio by Digital Combustion stands as a reliable, customizable tool that has been refined over decades by and for firefighters. Whether your goal is basic single-unit training or multi-screen incident command simulations, Fire Studio delivers a practical and powerful way to bring realistic fire scenarios to life.