A tradesman has come forward to claim the devastating Carwoola fire was sparked by building work on his property.
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The man, who Fairfax Media has chosen not to name, made the claims on social media as residents came to grips with the blaze on Sunday.
"I was working in Kingston on Friday when I received a call from a tradesman working on my block," he said.
"He was in a panic and told me my paddock was on fire.
"When I arrived on site 25 minutes later I couldn't believe my eyes of how large the fire already was."
Eleven homes were lost and about 12 more damaged in the fire, which ripped through 3100 hectares of land at Carwoola, south-east of Queanbeyan.
Although it has not been confirmed, the man believed the fire was started by a spinning steel cutter used on the site.
Desperate attempts to contain the blaze were not enough, he said.
"The men working on the block had already taken to machinery and started to create fire breaks to protect neighbouring property.
"Unfortunately the fire jumped the fire breaks behind us."
The tradesman said he would do anything he could to now help those affected by the fire.
"I live in the community amongst you people so I felt it important that I come forward with what I found out.
"No words can express how we feel and I'm devastated for the people who have lost their homes, belongings or more.
"I offer anything I have to anybody that needs it, whether it be manual help, or financial, anything at all."
It is understood the tradesman has since made a significant financial donation towards fire clean-up and repairs.
Members of the Carwoola community expressed their support after he posted the message online.
"Admirable of you to be so frank and honest," one woman wrote.
"I can only imagine how you must be feeling right now."
"Just shows that accidents can happen, regardless how careful you try to be," another woman added.
"Good on you and thinking of you."
Queanbeyan police confirmed they were aware of the claims but said they could not comment further while an investigation was underway.
They said a public event would soon be organised for residents to discuss the fire and the best way to rebuild the community.
