Firefighters called to Newcastle golf club after stolen car set alight

Firefighters were called to a popular golf course after a stolen car was set on fire, sparking concern over a potential radiation leak.

Firefighters have successfully prevented a radiation leak coming from a stolen car set on fire in the middle of a Newcastle golf course.

Specialist hazardous materials firefighters from Fire and Rescue NSW were called to Merewether Golf Club in Adamstown, following reports of a possible radiation leak about 9.45am on Wednesday.

The car, which was allegedly stolen, had been driven onto the green in the early hours of the morning, where the driver reportedly did several burnouts on the golf club greens.

Firefighters have successfully prevented a radiation leak. Picture: Supplied

The car was then set on fire and abandoned about 2am.

Crews were called when the owner of the stolen vehicle notified authorities there was a moisture gauge on board which has a radiation source attached and could be damaged because of the blaze.

“Firefighters, wearing protective clothing and carrying radiation detectors, then entered the scene and conducted an initial assessment,” FRNSW said in a statement.

“The equipment was located and was emitting low levels of radiation.

“Additional specialist radiation detection equipment and radiation experts responded to conduct a comprehensive assessment.”

Police are investigating after a stolen car broke onto a Newcastle golf course. Picture: Supplied

After the initial inspection, it was determined the radiation source had not been damaged.

A safety zone at the scene was set at 20m as a precaution.

The EPA was notified and will assist in removing the radioactive device from the car in a safe area.

Authorities confirmed there is no safety threat to the community.

The popular golf club posted on social media about the “eventful” scare.

A stolen car was set on fire in the middle of Merewether Golf Course. Picture: Supplied

“The golf course is closed for this afternoon and we are hopefully to regain access by tomorrow morning once the authorities have given us the all clear,” the club wrote.

“If you have any information that would be helpful to the authorities please let the club know.

“Thank you to the number of residents that alerted authorities and management about the incident as soon as possible.

“Thankfully there was nobody injured and the damage to the golf course has been minimal and we will have the course back in tip-top condition in no-time.”

A NSW Police spokeswoman told NCA NewsWire officers were investigating the stolen vehicle.

Originally published as Firefighters called to Newcastle golf club after stolen car set alight