NSW Fire and Rescue personnel think it was most likely rodents.

A triple zero call, on the car fire on Argyle Street near Lackey Road, was made at about 2.20pm on Wednesday, May 19.

While the cause of the fire that interrupted the school rush traffic was undetermined, firefighters at the Moss Vale Fire Station found a rat's nest in the engine base.

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On the station's Facebook page, a spokesperson said it was a good reminder to keep an eye out for telltale signs of unwanted guests.

"During the colder months, rodents seek shelter, store food and quite often take up residence under the bonnets of cars.

"Unfortunately, rats also find the wiring systems in cars and other vehicles perfect for nibbling and chewing on in to keep their teeth sharp."

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A spokesperson from NSW Fire and Rescue wanted to emphasise the fact that the fire had nothing to do with the mouse plague.

"It's just a thing that happens in winter," he said.

"Because cars get driven home in an evening and get parked, they become warm.

"The rodents make next in the vehicle engine's base.

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"In this instance, the rats would have gone in there and would have been living happily over time.

"They like to eat the cables and that most likely caused a short circuit."

The fire was extinguished at about 3.10pm.

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