Investigators looking into fire

Circumstances surrounding a car fire in South Otago yesterday morning remain to be determined.

Emergency services were called to the incident in Anderson St, Stirling, about 10.25am, following reports of a ‘‘well-involved’’ vehicle fire.

Although officials at the scene said initially the incident did not appear to involve arson, fire investigators were still working to determine the cause yesterday afternoon.

A man at the scene, who did not wish to be named, said the vehicle — a white Subaru saloon bearing gang insignia — began to smoke before flames emerged from beneath its bonnet.

‘‘It smelled electrical to me, but I didn’t want to get too close as there were a couple of small explosions as it got going.’’

Local volunteer firefighters were quickly on the scene, ensuring the safety of passers-by, before Balclutha Volunteer Fire Brigade arrived.

A Balclutha police spokesman said officers identified no suspicious circumstances during their initial investigation.

‘‘There was nothing to suggest any external party was involved in the incident. The vehicle may just have set on fire, but we’ll await the fire investigator’s final report.’’

The fire was extinguished by 10.40am.