Atlantic Fire Services recently conducted a Volunteer Community Firefighting Programme training session in Hangberg, bringing together community leaders, residents, and young fire marshals committed to protecting their neighbourhood.

Around 80 community volunteers attended the session, where they received training in fire awareness, safety, and the correct use of fire extinguishers. To support the newly formed volunteer teams, Atlantic Fire Services donated 20 x 9kg fire extinguishers, 10 reflective safety jackets, and 5 first aid kits. These resources will remain within the community to ensure a quick response when fires occur.

Commander Paul Krüger highlighted the importance of having basic firefighting equipment readily available within communities.

We are in Hangberg, Hout Bay, with community leaders, community and young fire marshals. We are busy with our volunteer community firefighting programme. Today, we are donating 20 9kg fire extinguishers as well as 10 reflective jackets and 5 first aid kits to the community.

We have formed teams that will protect the high-risk areas. It’s important that there’s firefighting equipment available in the community that can respond immediately if there’s a fire, to minimise these fires, their devastating effects, and prevent 10 or 20 houses from burning down.

During the training, Krüger also encouraged volunteers to work closely with emergency services and to help protect firefighters and paramedics who respond to incidents.

Daar is ongelukkig al ’n baie swak verhouding tussen sommige gemeenskappe en die brandweer, asook ambulansdienste. Brandweermanne en paramedici word soms beroof of met klippe gegooi, en dit maak hul werk baie moeiliker.

Hierdie mense kom om lewens te red en huise te beskerm. Daarom moet gemeenskappe saam met hulle werk en hulle beskerm. Julle as vrywilligers kan help deur saam te werk en seker te maak dat die brandweer hul werk veilig kan doen.

The Teachers also thanked Atlantic Fire Services for the training and support provided to the volunteers.

Ons wil graag vir julle baie dankie sê dat julle vandag hier is en hierdie opleiding aanbied. Dit is baie belangrik vir ons gemeenskap, veral omdat ons in ’n area woon waar die risiko van brande hoog is.

Ons hoop dat ons nooit hierdie kennis hoef te gebruik nie, maar as daar ’n noodgeval is, het ons nou mense wat opgelei is en gereed is om te help.

The Hangberg training demonstrates how community cooperation, combined with the right equipment and knowledge, can significantly improve local fire response. When residents are trained and prepared, they become the first line of defence in protecting homes, property, and lives.