Fire drills have always been an important part of training and proficiency maintenance in the Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting Service. This photo of a night fire drill was probably taken in the early 1960s. The drill is being done using a mock-up, although it was still common at that time to use surplus real aircraft for fire practice.

The Fire Fighter is wearing a woolen 'Fearnought' suit and is using a foam-generating branch. In those days the foam generating agent was an organic protein-based additive. This photo also illustrates the technique of first laying down a foam blanket to protect the fuselage of a burning aircraft, as this is where the passengers are accommodated. Once the fuselage is protected, attention can be turned to putting out engine or fuel fires.

(Photo: CAHS collection)

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