A REPORT compiled by the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority has shown that during the disturbances in Burnley at the end of June, Burnley Fire Brigade saw a massive increase in the number of calls.

During the period June 24 - July 9, officers from Burnley were called out to 304 incidents. During the same period last year, 137 calls were answered -- an increase of 122 percent.

The report shows that the incidents ranged from "racially motivated petrol bomb attacks on life and property" to "deliberate ignition of street furniture".

But the service maintained its neutrality and was never the target for any public disorder.

Taken as a whole, firefighters from East Lancashire responded to 697 calls during the period, an average increase of 55 percent.

The incidents were mainly centred in and around Burnley, Nelson, Padiham, Brierfield and Accrington.

The report concludes that the incidents followed a similar pattern to the civil unrest experienced in Oldham and West Yorkshire and that staff of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Lancashire Constabulary were, "confronted with severe incidents in East Lancashire".

The Authority also expressed its appreciation to the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, Lancashire Constabulary and Lancashire Ambulance Service.