RALEIGH - The idea for a Raleigh Fire Department tabletop simulator originated with Training Chief Alfred Lynn, after he purchased a computer program that superimposes fire and smoke effects upon photographs of building exteriors. The computer-enhanced images are then projected onto a wall, or onto a projection screen as part of classroom training.

Chief Lynn's idea was to augment the classroom experience with a tabletop simulator to provide a physical experience. He imagined scale buildings, apparatus, even hose and ladders to accompany the virtual experience of the computer program.

The idea for a simulator remained just an idea until additional space became available at the Keeter Training Center in south Raleigh. In the spring of 2005, two classrooms were added in a double-wide trailer. Space was now available to house what Chief Lynn had envisioned. "We had a tabletop simulator back in the late eighties or early nineties, but it was a small thing." The new simulator would be ten times larger.

Battalion Chief Frank McLaurin built the simulator. The design was based on a tabletop simulator used by the North Carolina Department of Insurance for their Command and Control school taught throughout the state.

The 235 square-foot simulator was constructed using several collapsible tables with scale topography painted on the surface. Scale buildings were obtained from hobby and model railroad stores. Scale fire apparatus was also obtained, and with enough engines, trucks, rescues, and command vehicles to simulate multiple alarm responses. Scale commercial and private vehicles were also obtained, to add to the realism.

After completion in the fall of 2005, eye-level photographs of the simulator's buildings were loaded into the computer program. Captain A.C. Rich added fire and smoke effects to the digital photos.

Exercises are designed in two parts, first with trainees shown a computer-enhanced image of the scale building or buildings. Secondly, trainees are directed to the tabletop simulator to physically direct operations. Apparatus placement, supply lines, attack lines, aerial operations, etc. are all physically performed using the scale buildings and vehicles. Accountability and all other aspects of Incident Command are also utilized during simulations.

Seven scenarios were initially created, representing situations ranging from a house fire to a church fire to a downtown commercial district. After several weeks of using the simulator in conjunction with training on the fire department's new radio system, Chief Lynn has already seen positive effects. "At the recent major fire in Wakefield, the apparatus placement was perfect. And radio operations by Command were textbook perfect."

Chief Lynn also notes that the simulator is particularly valuable for younger Captains, or officers at stations that don't see many fires. "There's no noise, there's no rush. The officers can take their time on the simulated fireground."

The simulator is presently being used with training for the fire department's new radio system, a digitally trunked system that's part of the North Carolina VIPER system. The upgraded radio system will improve interoperability and allow the Raleigh Fire Department to directly communicate with other emergency responders both city- and county-wide.

After the beginning of the year, use of the simulator will be incorporated into the two-week Officer Development School. The ten-day program will include two full days of simulator exercises. Also after the beginning of the year, Battalion Chiefs or their designated personnel will be trained on operating the simulator, so each Battalion can conduct their own exercises.