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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
Bageshri Savyasachi

Burning car sparked a large grassfire behind electrical substation: police

An abandoned car engulfed in flames is believed to have started a grassfire bigger than two rugby fields near an electrical substation outside of Queanbeyan.

ACT Fire and Rescue were called to a car fire along Mountain Road in Beard about 4pm on Saturday, August 25.

The location of the flaming car, directly behind an electrical substation and solar battery storage facility, led to the fire spreading across 2.5 hectares of grassland.

ACT Policing Rural Patrol was also called to help at the site of the fire which was burning close to a neighbouring paddock, home to a number horses.

Police believe the animals would have required evacuation if the fire had spread further.

While firefighters contained the flames, police established the car to be "most likely" a Kia Sportage.

The heavily damaged car appeared to have burnt through any identifiable signage.

"Police have not been able to confirm an engine or chassis number due to the extensive damage caused by the fire," a police spokesperson said.

The vehicle appeared to be stuck in tall grass on the edge of the road, said police, who added it was possible the car's exhaust sparked the fire under it.

The significantly damaged car after the fire was extinguished. Inset: images of the fire spreading to grassland across the road near the electrical substation. Pictures ACT Policing

The police spokesperson said ACT Policing, or surrounding NSW police districts, had not received any reports of a stolen Kia Sportage, and were looking into the incident.

"ACT Policing is seeking information and witnesses to a car fire on Mountain Road, Beard on Saturday afternoon," she said.

Anyone who may have witnessed the fire, had information about its cause, or had dash cam footage was urged to contact police.

They were asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the police website and quote P2279018. Police said information could be provided anonymously.

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