THESE dramatic pictures taken 44 years ago this week capture the moment a fireman braves the blistering heat of a fireball to test equipment that could mean the difference between life and death.

On June 2, 1970, around 60 guests from fire brigades and shipping interests assembled at Southampton Fire Brigade headquarters to watch the new “Bristol” firefighting suit be put through its paces.

Wearing the suit made with aluminised asbestos, the men successfully demonstrated its capabilities as they approached the two tanks of blazing fuel oil.

Despite the searing heat, there were other volunteers on the day eager to try the suit.

Although impressed by the suit, those that were present felt that the its particular use would be for aircraft or industrial fires.

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