Walvis Bay residents have criticized the local fire brigade for allegedly being too slow to respond to emergencies.

The smoke was visible miles away when a fire broke out on Sunday afternoon, destroying eight shacks at Tutaleni in Walvis Bay.

Armed with water buckets, residents did their best to put out the fire while others tried to salvage some items.

The fire brigade allegedly arrived at the scene later, to the displeasure of the frustrated residents.

About 30 people were affected by the fire, which did not cause any injuries or fatalities.

However, the fire brigade says the community must not blame them because they are the ones who did not call the emergency line immediately after the fire outbreak.

The municipality last month announced that a fire fighting programme for the community was to be introduced from the 5th of this month to equip residents with skills.

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