A programme aimed at equipping community members with firefighting skills will take place at Walvis Bay in the Erongo Region next week.

The training is expected to reduce the negative impact fires have on the community. Shack fires are rampant at Walvis Bay due to the high number of backyard squatters, who normally use candles.

According to the Walvis Bay Urban Constituency Disaster Risk Management Committee, the issue is worsened by residents who fight against the fire brigade as they arrive to help the community. The committee has now invited volunteers from the harbour town to receive firefighting training from the 5th of October.

The fire brigade has promised to continue informing the community about fire prevention and steps to follow during an outbreak.

The fire brigade emergency number is 081 922 or 0811 22 0888.