Firefighters Training School at the "STUDIES & CAREERS IN LITHUANIA 2026" Exhibition
On January 22–23, the Litexpo Exhibition Center hosted the country's largest education fair, "STUDIES & CAREERS IN LITHUANIA 2026!". Among many universities and vocational schools, the Firefighters Training School (FTS) stand stood out by inviting young people to try on one of the bravest professions.
On the first day, the head of the school, Colonel Audrius Čiuplys, presented the exhibition to the leadership of the Fire and Rescue Department (PAGD). Director General Renatas Požėla and his deputies visited the stand to see how innovative training methods are being used to attract the next generation.
Hands-on Experience. Visitors at the stand didn't just hear about the studies—they could "step into a firefighter's boots" by:
- Using a fire extinguisher simulator to experience a realistic firefighting process.
- Testing hydraulic spreaders used for rescuing people from car accidents.
- Trying on heavy protective clothing and breathing apparatus.
The SAFAR Project: The Future of Training. A major highlight this year was the SAFAR (Situational Awareness Training of Firefighters within an Immersive XR Training Site) project. This international initiative, with FTS as a key partner, aims to revolutionize how firefighters are trained.
Why is SAFAR a breakthrough? Traditional training with real fire and smoke is expensive, environmentally harmful, and risky. SAFAR offers a solution using XR (Extended Reality), which combines virtual (VR), augmented (AR), and mixed reality (MR).
Key benefits presented at the exhibition:
- Trainees can enter extreme scenarios—like chemical leaks or collapsing buildings—and practice decision-making without any real danger to their lives.
- Using special sensors and goggles, students learn to quickly assess hazards and coordinate with their team.
- Instructors can track a student's stress levels and decision speed, allowing for a personalized learning pace.
By participating in the SAFAR project, the Firefighters Training School ensures that its graduates are not only physically fit but also technologically advanced and ready to use the tools of the future.
