Fire alert for Gauteng as public urged not to start blazes

JOHANNESBURG - The South African Weather Services has issued a red fire alert for Gauteng on Saturday and is urging the public not to start any blazes.

Its warned, the dry and windy conditions can cause runaway veld fires.

Emergency teams in the province are on high alert for any incidents that may occur.

Tshwane Emergency Services Spokesperson Lindsay Mnguni said "Fire teams, labour and equipment are to be placed on full standby. At the first sign of smoke, every possible measure should be taken in order to bring the fire under control in the shortest possible time. All available aircraft are to be called for without delay.”