Police believe fire on Mitchell Highway may have been deliberately lit

The fire, which was burning near The Rocks, was reported to the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) at around 1pm on December 24.

It was about 1.5 hectares in size and came dangerously close to homes in the area.

READ MORE: RFS responds to out of control fire burning near Mitchell Highway

Thanks to the quick work of firefighters, it was able to be extinguished before it could cause serious damage or injure people.

While they worked, police officers were at the scene to help with traffic control.

Chifley Police District acting Superintendent Luke Rankin said investigations started after the blaze was extinguished, and have now given an indication of what may have caused it.

"The cause of the fire is not known, however investigating police received some information that it may have been caused by a cigarette butt that was thrown from a window, and those inquiries are continuing," he said.

Police are now appealing to the public for information that may assist with the investigation.

In particular, they would like to hear from people who were in the area who have dash cam footage or saw suspicious vehicles or persons on the roadside around the time the fire started.

If anyone has any information, they are asked to contact Bathurst Police on 6332 8699 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 and quote event number E73150332.

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Acting Superintendent Rankin said that, if the fire was deliberately lit, it was "very concerning" given the hot, dry weather in Bathurst of late.

"It's not only stupid behaviour, but it is illegal behaviour, and if we are able to find who was responsible they will be held to account," he said.

Bathurst will continue to experience hot, dry conditions this week, with some days expected to get to as high as 40 degrees.

People are urged to be careful and, should they see a smoke column or unattended fire, call Triple-0 immediately.