Enhancing Fire Extinguisher Training: A Comparative Study of Virtual Reality and Augmented Virtuality Approaches

Properly following fire-extinguishing procedures is crucial in emergencies, reducing injury risk and potentially saving lives. Traditional training, however, is often costly, time-consuming, and logistically demanding. Extended reality (XR) can address these barriers by offering safe, repeatable, and engaging simulations. Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) is a widely used XR approach and is most effective when it closely replicates real conditions and equipment. To increase realism, many systems shift toward Immersive Augmented Virtuality (IAV), using tangible objects, such as a real extinguisher fitted with sensors, as interactive controllers. This article reports a two-phase, between-groups study with 62 participants comparing IVR training with a virtual extinguisher to IAV training with a custom physical controller providing rich haptic feedback. Phase one examined knowledge gains and perceived usability; phase two assessed skill transfer, workload, and emotional responses. Findings suggest extinguisher controller can enhance knowledge acquisition and skill transfer effectiveness, offering an embodied training experience.