Method and apparatus are presented for an augmented reality-based firefighter training system. The system includes hardware for motion tracking, display, and vari-nozzle instrumentation. System software includes a real-time fire model, a layered smoke obscuration model, simulation of an extinguishing agent, and an interface to a zone fire model. Physical modeling and graphical elements in the software combine to create realistic-looking fire, smoke, and extinguishing graphics. The hardware and software components together contribute to a realistic, interactive training experience for firefighters.