Publisher:	Monte Cristo
Developer:	Monte Cristo
Released:	01 Jan 1970
Genre	Sport
Platform

A mysterious fire outbreak occurs at the press unveiling of a new commercial aircraft in Eastern Europe. Flames rip through the airport hangers, as civilians flee for their lives. Dangerously close to fuel reserves, the flames jump from building to building, as if they have taken on a life of their own. Tragedy strikes once again in an underground shopping centre, where fire has broken out, imprisoning numerous civilians; billowing smoke suffocating their every breath. FIRE DEPARTMENT 3's real time strategy game play will challenge players from small house fires to toxic chemical plant blazes as they endeavour to maintain the Fire Fighters Code of Ethics - 'As fire fighters, our fundamental duty is to safeguard life, preserve the environment, and protect property'. Developed in conjunction with actual fire fighters, the game uses a very sophisticated fire model to faithfully recreate the behaviour of fire. Once an object has ignited, the spread and intensity of the flames are determined by many factors. Wind can change the direction of a fire, increasing its intensity and spread. The landscape can increase or hamper a fire, as it leaps quickly up slope or comes to an abrupt halt at a down slope or fire break. Highly flammable substances will combust and spread with ease (butane bottles, vehicles, PVC ducting, electrical ducting, burning animals running from the scene), so hosing key areas is vital. Within the game, the fire will naturally spread to areas where it is easiest for it to take hold. It is therefore down to the player to analyse the situation and judge how best to prevent the fires spread.

Smoke is an enemy almost as dangerous as fire itself. Moving much quicker than the fire, it often is the first indication of a much greater threat. Following the path of least resistance, smoke will fill the area it's contained within, travelling along any available ventilation paths. Noxious fumes suppress the oxygen levels, incapacitating people without breathing apparatus. Smoke also carries heat and combustible gases that can build up within rooms. When the accumulated smoke reaches threshold, the smoke bursts into flames, a phenomenon called a 'flashover'. In certain circumstances, fire is almost totally extinguished within a room which has no smoke outlet. A substantial intake of air into the room re-ignites the fire, literally exploding it outwards – commonly known as 'back draft'.

FIRE DEPARTMENT 3 is more than a challenging and exciting game. It's also a realistic simulation that offers a great way to learn about the skills, techniques and tools that fire professionals employ on the scene every day.