Part of a backyard in Jamestown, in South Australia’s Mid North, caught alight after a plastic bucket containing dog poo spontaneously combusted, sparking a small fire.

Just 10 minutes after the fire started it was contained, thanks to the quick-thinking neighbours.

Jamestown Country Fire Service brigade was called but the drama was over before they arrived.

CFS volunteer Kylie Paskett said the brigade checked  out the safety of the property.

“The fire was already extinguished by neighbours when we arrived. We just checked to make sure everything was safe,” Mrs Paskett said.

“… we didn't even need to roll out a hose.”

Officers from the Jamestown Police were also called to the scene where they determined the cause of the fire.

The poo-filled plastic bucket was identified as the culprit.

Mrs Paskett said high temperatures and the location of the bucket resulted in the unlikely incident.

“It was around 40 degrees that day… the bucket of poo had been sitting in direct sunlight and had radiant heat from the shed as well,” she said. 

The image of the blackened backyard was posted to the Jamestown CFS’ community Facebook group and instantly went viral.

Mrs Puskett said the brigade posted the incident on Facebook in order to raise awareness.

“We posted it because it was a unique job, and also as a warning to be aware of the possibility of spontaneous combustion in similar circumstances,” she said.