1.
GV ZOOM Nick Hobbs wearing new fire suit
0.06

2.
SV Press look on
0.08

3.
SV Hobbs with fire-proof suit & helmet
0.10

4.
SV ZOOM TO burning flames
0.19

5.
SV Hobbs walks through flames & is hosed with foam (2 shots)
0.51

6.
SV Flames being put out
0.56

7.
SV Newsmen
0.58

8.
CU Hobbs speaks
1.17


REPORTER: Your hands look rather burnt."



HOBBS: No they're not burnt, the hairs there, its just off the suit itself. Fine. O.K."




Initials SGM/0346 SGM/0337



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: A new chemical treatment for wool which makes it virtually impossible to set alight was given a dramatic test in London, U.K., on Monday (July 16).

Racing driver Nick Hobbs wearing special racing driver's suit made of several layers of wool treated by the new method, walked through flames - to prove the worth of the new process. He came through the fire unharmed.

Wool experts see the process as a major advance in fire proofing materials. It can be used for all woolen goods - textiles, and furnishings as well as clothes.

The developers, the International Wool Secretariat, say the process is cheap and is simply applied and in no way impares the quality of the wool. Already the process is being used by more than 150 firms in Britain, Europe and Australia.

IWS technologists found that increased flame and heat resistance occurred as a side effect of a process used in the wool industry to help dyeing. From that they developed the flame resistance treatment, based on the application of either titanium or zirconium to the fabric.

SYNOPSIS: In London on Monday a final dramatic test for a new chemical method of making wool heat and flame resistant.

Racing driver Nick Hobbs wore a special racing driver's suit made of layers of treated wool - before putting heat resistance to the test in the middle of the flames.

Wool experts see the process as a major advance in fire proofing material. It can be used for all woollen goods - textiles and furnishings, as well as clothing. The developers, the International Wool Secretariat, say the Chemical process is cheap, simply applied and does not impare the quality of the wool in any way. The process, developed in Yorkshire, England, is already in use by many firms in Britain, Europe and Australia.

After the flames were extinguished, Nick Hobbs spoke to reporters about his ordeal by fire.