Information Requirements for Digital Twin Integration in Firefighting: A Survey Study

Abstract: Firefighting operations increasingly use digital tools for situational awareness, yet current systems often provide fragmented information that does not meet operational needs. Digital Twin integration appears to be a potential solution to address this gap. This study reports a survey of Irish firefighters examining information needs, data sources, Digital Twin functionality, and user readiness for adoption. The results show demand for real-time sensing and prediction, while operational decisions still rely mainly on experience and direct observation. The findings highlight the need for information prioritisation and federated rather than centralised data integration, contributing practical requirements for Digital Twin-enabled firefighting support systems.