“SparkleCraft: Living with fire” brings wildfire learning to life
Authors: Emanuel de Oliveira & Luis Baixinho, Município de Paredes de Coura | Joana Soto, Associação Portuguesa de Tração Animal
Wildfires
Digital immersion for wildfire risk education
In response to increasing wildfire risks driven by climate change, the SparkleFire project is advancing innovative educational tools that place experience at the centre of learning. Among these, a custom modification (mod) of Minecraft offers an immersive digital environment for wildfire prevention education.
Developed by the Portuguese Municipality of Paredes de Coura in collaboration with the Technological Cooperative of Viana do Castelo, ”SparkleCraft: Living with fire” transforms Minecraft Bedrock into a sophisticated simulation platform. It complements the broader educational strategy of the SparkleFire project that emphasises experiential learning, where users engage directly with complex systems rather than passively receiving information.
Simulating complexity through gameplay
The mod introduces realistic wildfire dynamics within diverse ecosystems, including coniferous and deciduous forests, shrubland and agricultural areas. Fire behaviour varies depending on land cover, weather conditions and player decisions, reflecting real-world complexity. Dynamic events such as lightning, storms, human negligence or arson further influence fire ignition and spread.
Players interact with professional firefighting tools and techniques, including drip torches, Pulaski tools and hoses, allowing them to explore both prevention and response strategies. The experience is structured in two modes: a guided Tutorial mode, where players learn key skills and safety protocols, and a Survival mode, which allows free experimentation in a dynamic, risk-driven environment.
This digital simulation enables levels of complexity and variability that cannot be replicated physically. Players can test strategies, make mistakes and observe outcomes in a safe setting, strengthening skills in planning, anticipation and decision-making under pressure.
Presentation session and first test of SparkleCraft: Living with fire, with participants of the European TREX 2026, held in Paredes de Coura, in March 2026.
Like Sparkids, the SparkleCraft is grounded in the principle that wildfire risk is systemic, shaped by the interaction between environment, human activity, preparedness and vulnerability. Both tools aim to build territorial literacy and promote behavioural change through experiential engagement.
Upon completion of testing, SparkleCraft will be released as a free, open-access educational resource available through the project website and established Minecraft Bedrock modding platforms, ensuring accessibility to educators, students and communities worldwide. Its goal is not only to support wildfire education but also to provide a transferable model for serious gaming in disaster risk reduction.
Tested with international experts at events such as FIREPOCTEP+ and European TREX Alto Minho, the tool has demonstrated strong potential for scalability and replication across Europe.
By combining immersive gameplay with real-world relevance, SparkleCraft represents a powerful step forward in preparing communities to better understand, prevent and respond to wildfire risks.
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