A GRASS fire near Candelo on Tuesday had multiple Rural Fire Service tankers and volunteers on scene to get it under control.
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The fire in long grass began around 11.30am Tuesday morning, eventually burning around 20ha.
The Rural Fire Service (RFS) had nine tankers and 22 volunteers on the scene, but no properties were under threat.
A large plume of smoke was seen rising in the still conditions throughout the day, visible even from Bega.
By 4pm Tuesday, the Bega Valley RFS reported it had the fire contained, but was remaining in the area to mop up.
“We believe it was started by a slasher working in the long grass,” Bega Valley RFS community safety officer Marty Webster said.
“Everything indicated that he had good intentions to do the right thing, but he just picked the wrong time of day.”
Mr Webster said the RFS had seen a few fires started by machinery lately.
He recommended any slashing be done in either the morning or night, and to be aware of the risk of wind such as what was seen in the Valley last week.
“Be aware of how much things have dried out,” he said.
He encouraged members of the community to continue to prepare their properties against the threat of bushfires.
