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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
Bageshri Savyasachi

Fire next to Canberra Theatre was 'deliberately lit': police

Someone deliberately lit a grass fire near the Canberra Theatre which required a firefighting response on Tuesday evening, police have alleged.

Smoke was seen rising behind the playhouse about 5pm when ACT Fire and Rescue were called to a flaming patch of grass next to Theatre Lane.

Three pumpers were called to Vernon Circle and firefighters extinguished the small fire about 5.15pm, an ACT Emergency Services Agency spokeswoman said.

"There was no threat to any [buildings]," she said.

No injuries were reported.

Firefighters dowse a fire next to Vernon Circle, behind the Canberra Theatre. Picture by Jasper Lindell
A firefighter extinguishes a fire next to Vernon Circle, behind the Canberra Theatre. Picture by Jasper Lindell
A fire truck called to Vernon Circle. Picture by Jasper Lindell
Smoke seen rising behind the playhouse. Picture supplied

Investigators could not determine the cause of the fire before the scene was handed over to ACT Policing.

Police said the incident was suspected arson.

"It was deliberately lit," a police spokesman said referring to the fire which spread across an area of about eight square metres.

Smoke seen rising behind the playhouse. Picture supplied. Inset: A firefighter extinguishes a grass fire next to Vernon Circle. Picture by Jasper Lindell

He said the green patch, property of the ACT government, was completely burnt.

Police are investigating the fire and looking for the alleged arsonist.

The spokesman said any potential charges would be decided after the person responsible was found.

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