Like many young boys, 11-year-old Malcolm Aitken (in helmet) wants to be a fireman when he grows up. He and his friends are seen receiving expert guidance on the use of the snorkle from fireman W. Wearing.
The public of Burnley had a unique opportunity of getting an insight into the work of the fire service when an "open evening" was held at the fire station. About 140 adults and numerous youngsters, took full advantage of the opportunity and were able to inspect the equipment. Unfortunately - from their point of view - they did not see the firemen in action as there were no emergency calls on that Friday evening, the 7th August, 1970.
Deputy Chief Officer, Peter Copley, said: "We were very pleased there were no calls although the youngsters may have been a little disappointed. They were given the freedom of the station, however, and had an enjoyable time, it was a most successful evening which may well become an annual event."
One of the main purposes of the evening was to raise money for the Firemen's Benevolent Association, which distributes money to the families of firemen killed in action. More than £50 was raised by a sale of good quality "jumble" organised and supervised by fireman Tommy Duckworth.