In June 2026, the Africa Fire Mission team travelled to Malawi to lead a week of training with firefighters across the country! We also launch our fire prevention awards in Malawi where AFM recognized Patrick Lugopozo (Blantyre Fire Brigade) and Zomba Fire Brigade with Fire Prevention Awards.
During the training we were privileged to collaborate with municipal firefighters from Blantyre, Lilongwe, Kasungu, Mzuzu and Lilongwe. Additionally, we were able to train firefighters from Kenya Defense Force, Malawi Civil Aviation - Kamuzu International Airport. Here’s what some of them said:
“I’m very grateful for the trainings which you provided to us. I am encouraged, motivated and mentored. May the good Lord bless you and have a long life- Amen!”
“Keep on visiting us, we are learning more and improving our profession; keep sharing training with the malawi fire brigades so that we can improve our standard of services.”
“Training was awesome because I have learned to tips and procedures to use to deal with [fire]. Personal confidence and courage as well.”
This year’s firefighter training mission in Malawi focused on research-based fire service education designed to strengthen both technical knowledge and practical firefighting skills. The program emphasized a better understanding of fire spread, a more technical approach to suppression tactics, and improved hose line mechanics. Using materials from Kindling and UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute, participants were introduced to training programs on fires in informal settlements and water mapping techniques. Both topics were grounded in scientific research and offered practical recommendations to help improve firefighting capabilities in communities where resources, water supply, and infrastructure may be limited.
Fires in informal settlements present significant hazards because of close building spacing, combustible construction materials, limited access, and the potential for rapid fire spread. These conditions can lead to large-scale property loss and create serious risks for both residents and responding firefighters. Based on research conducted using structures mmade from local materials, firefighters learned how to identify different types of building construction and how fire behavior changes depending on the materials used to construct shelters. With this knowledge, firefighters are better prepared to anticipate how a fire may grow, choose safer and more effective attack strategies, and take action to prevent extension to nearby homes and structures.
Water mapping techniques were also taught to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of water application during fire suppression. Many fire brigades operate with limited water capacity on their fire engines and face challenges accessing functioning fire hydrants. By learning to strategically apply available water, firefighters can make better use of their limited water supply. These techniques help fire brigades stretch available resources, improve suppression outcomes, and increase overall operational efficiency when responding to fires in their communities.
Collaborating with the Fire Services in Malawi since 2017 we’ve seen growth and development - including the start of a new fire brigade in Kasungu; additional fire apparatus in Blantyre and a new collaborative public-private partnership between Mzuzu Fire Brigade and the Reserve Bank of Malawi and plans for more firefighters to be hired in Lilongwe. We look forward to continuing to partner with Malawi’s fire service as they work to reduce loss of lives and property in Malawi!
Get involved! Our next training in Malawi is scheduled to take place JUNE 14-26, 2027. Learn more and sign up today!
