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SYDNEY - Police evacuated hundreds of NSW Central Coast residents and holiday makers early today after oxyacetylene bottles were discovered in a burning stolen vehicle.
A 200-metre exclusion zone is also in place around the utility, discovered around 4.30am (6.30am NZT) in Toowoon Bay Surf Life Saving Club's car park.
Police and fire services based at The Entrance discovered the oxyacetylene bottles affected by heat in the ute's tray, and fearing an explosion they began the evacuation.
Fire and police evacuated 15 homes and the salubrious Kims Beach Hideaway hotel while making a 200-metre exclusion zone around the car.
Fire services spokesman Ian Krimmer said it was not clear when people could return to their homes.
"The police bomb squad has arrived from Sydney and is currently assessing as to whether a robot can be used to move the cylinders to a safer location," he said.
"If this is possible it means we can move people back into their homes but at this stage there is no time frame."
Mr Krimmer said fire services were called to a plumber's vehicle early this morning.
"Several oxyacetylene bottles were discovered and there was concern the exposure to heat could make them deteriorate," he said.
"If there was a deterioration it could lead to a rupture of the cylinders and an explosion," he said.
Mr Krimmer said more than 200 people were evacuated and it will take more than 24 hours for the bottles to cool.
Bob Yea, an owner of a nearby Toowoon Bay Van Park, said many people lived in the area surrounding the surf club and beach but in terms of tourism it was a quieter than usual period.
"In terms of business it's been the worst I've seen it in 30 years, this is something I don't need," Mr Yea told AAP.
Marine craft were also moved and banned from the area and a no-fly zone was enforced.
Fire crews from The Entrance, Bateau Bay and Berkeley Vale were called.
No one was injured in the incident.
In a separate incident in Sydney's northern beaches, a fire in an underground car park was brought under control this morning.
The two-level Brookvale car park was alight and four cars were destroyed in the blaze.
A fire services spokesman said five crews brought the blaze under control before 9am (11am NZT) amid fears the cars could explode.
Investigations have begun into both incidents.
- AAP
