The City of Windhoek has launched its third consecutive International Fire Safety Week, running from 7 to 10 October.
The week aims to raise awareness about fire prevention and encourage communities to take a more active role in reducing fire-related deaths and property losses.
Windhoek Mayor Sakarias Uunona said the city records about 2,000 fire-related incidents each year, with firefighters responding to approximately 99 percent of calls.
"The city has invested in a 24-hour monitoring system to connect buildings, as mandated by the regulations, and continues to enforce the relevant sections. These initiatives advance business continuity plans and help create fire-resilient communities by reducing the devastation caused by fire outbreaks when they are not properly mitigated."
Uunona says fires continue to destroy homes, property and livelihoods, while also putting the lives of firefighters at risk.
The launch also paid tribute to firefighters who have died in the line of duty.
A moment of silence, led by Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Emergency and Disaster Risk Management, Kupaha Uazukuani, was observed in their honour.
"There is a simple lesson from a broken ladder. What that means is that one of the rungs of the ladder is missing. That is an indication that a firefighter has lost their life in the line of duty or while in service."
Senior Station Officer Fillippus Sikongo of the City of Windhoek Fire Brigade Services urged communities to take precautions and learn how to prevent and respond to fire incidents.
"This week signifies that prevention is better than cure. Therefore, we have to look at ways in which people can prevent fire outbreaks. Once a child smells smoke from a fire, the child needs to get down because the smoke rises. Children need to stay as low as possible, get out of the building and stay out. Do not go back inside. Anything else can be replaced; however, you cannot replace a life."
The week is being held under the theme "Building Resilient Communities: Collaborative Strategies for Fire Risk Reduction".