Landowners should remain on high alert as the number of fire calls are surging.

This is according to Working on Fire general manager in Gauteng, Stephen Boyes regarding the state of fire season.

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‘‘So far we have not experienced major fires. The hotspots are Vaal Marina, De Wildt, JS Moroka and Maropeng areas,’’ said Boyes.

He said the province has recorded 140 fires from June 1 to date and lauded the base partners for having prepared the fire breaks on time.

This mitigated risks of major fires which can be extinguished without losing livelihoods, lives or properties.

The landowners still need to be vigilant and cautious as weather conditions are starting to be hot, dry and windy,’’ explained Boyes.

August month is a no-smoke period according to the National Veld and Forest Fire Act 101 of 1998 unless landowners obtain permits to burn.

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Boyes further urged the firefighters to continue observing the occupational health and safety protocols at all times.

He said the surge in fires is likely to continue until the first rains hit the province late in October.