Promoting Domestic Fire-Safety: Virtual Drills as a Training Tool for Citizens

Ubieto-Artur, Pedro (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Asión-Suñer, Laura (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; García-Hernández, César (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: Promoting domestic fire safety is crucial for preventing and effectively managing risky situations. This study evaluated the effectiveness of virtual environments (VEs) in fire drills to improve citizens’ knowledge and safe behavior in domestic settings. Conducted at the Citizen School for Risk Prevention (CSRP) in Zaragoza (Spain), the experiment involved 20 participants facing a simulated kitchen fire using a combination of physical and virtual extinguishing equipment. A theoretical session accompanied the drills to reinforce learning. Participants were divided into two groups: one completed the drill before and after the theoretical session, while the other completed it only afterward. Performance was assessed based on the ability to extinguish, control, or lose control of the fire. Surveys administered before, immediately after, and three months after training measured knowledge retention and behavioral changes. The results indicate a significant improvement in fire safety awareness and lasting adoption of safe practices. Participants also emerged as safety advocates. This study highlights the potential of combining theoretical instruction with immersive practical training and identifies strategies for replicating this approach in other prevention schools.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.3390/fire8080286

Año: 2025

Publicado en: Fire (Basel) 8, 8 (2025), 286 [16 pp.]
ISSN: 2571-6255

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/T7-23D

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Expresión Gráfica en Ing. (Dpto. Ingeniería Diseño Fabri.)