This 1960s footage begins with a residential fire in Dallas. As city firefighters attempt to extinguish overwhelming clouds of dark smoke, a curious crowd forms. The second half of the film captures a family’s preparation for Christmas. They search for and purchase a tree, unravel lights, and hang ornaments. Their home is the epitome of cozy, complete with a burning fireplace, luminous decorations, and pristinely wrapped presents. Given the focus on fireplaces, furnaces, and lit trees, the footage was likely shot by the Dallas Fire Department to educate the community about fire safety during the holidays.
The Dallas Firefighters Museum’s film collection captures a variety of activities performed by the Dallas Firefighters. While a few films focus on fire fighting and training, most feature community events such as the fair, toy repair, pump races, and even a Miss Flame pageant.
The Dallas Firefighter's Museum is housed in one of the city's oldest fire stations; the building served as a working fire station from the time it was built in 1907 until 1975, when the museum took over. The museum aims to preserve the rich history of the Dallas Fire Department through exhibits and educational experiences. The museum’s primary goal is to teach fire safety to children and widen its outreach to the Dallas community. Visit their website at
http://www.dallasfiremuseum.com.