Windhoek fire brigade attended 2,000 incidents last year - nbc

The City of Windhoek’s fire brigade responded to 2,000 fire-related incidents last year, including nearly 200 residential fires. Seventy-five percent occurred in informal settlements.  Fires remain one of the greatest threats to life and livelihood, especially in the informal settlements, where high-density living and limited access to emergency services increase vulnerability. The City of Windhoek Mayor Ndeshihafela Larandja says the City of Windhoek remains committed in its quest to enhance safety and the quality of life. "Fire outbreaks do not know any boundaries, and thus we must unite in advance fire safety and prevention strategies." She says with funds received from sponsors last year, the city purchased and continues to roll out 200 smoke alarms in informal settlements. "This project has already brought safety and peace of mind to many families. We previously lived with the constant fear of fire. It is proof that when we unite resources and purpose, we can make a tangible difference." She emphasised that smoke alarms in homes can reduce the risk of fire fatalities by up to 50 percent. "Teaching children the basics of stop, drop and roll, or ensuring families have an emergency escape plan, can save many lives. Every resident, from the youngest to the oldest, can play a role in preventing fire disasters." Chief Executive Officer of the City of Windhoek Moses Matyayi says he remains proud of the contribution the City of Windhoek has made to the development, empowerment and growth of the fire department. "Today we can be proud that we have been registered as an accredited institution that trained fire officers. And these fire officers can be able to show that I have a certificate attained at the City of Windhoek Fire and Emergency Services, and it is accredited by the Namibia Qualification Authority at level 5 as a certificate. And we are not going to stop here; we will continue until we reach a diploma level." The international fire safety week was launched under the theme "Unite to Ignite for a secure nation".