Forest Fire Model
About the project
This particular landscape model was created as part of a museum project on US National Parks. It measures 1.74 x 1.5 metres (68.5 x 59 inches) and is built to a 1:87 scale.
The model depicts the devastating wildfires in California, which not only threaten human lives but also destroy vast areas of ancient sequoia forests, some of which are over 1,500 years old. While these trees are naturally fire-resistant due to their thick bark, the 2020 wildfires were so intense that flames reached over 91 metres high, burning their canopies.
To bring this scene to life, we meticulously recreated the fire-stricken landscape. Every element, from the terrain to the towering sequoias, was crafted from scratch by our model makers. Each tree was individually shaped by hand, with foliage airbrushed for added realism. We didn’t just showcase healthy trees but also those that had been scorched by the flames.
However, the standout feature of this model is its interactivity. Firstly, we’ve simulated fire using electric fireplaces (Cassette 400 NH Dimplex Opti-Myst) combined with carefully positioned LEDs. To enhance the effect, we developed an automatic water supply system that generates smoke, and the results exceeded our expectations. Secondly, all the emergency vehicle lights - fire engines, police cars, and ambulances - are programmed on separate channels, creating a dynamic and realistic look, with each vehicle illuminated in its own unique way. Thirdly, we installed an electronic road sign with changing text.
