A photo clearly showed the parking inspector marking the tyre as a fire crew got the small blaze under control.

But Scott Taylor of the Moira Shire Council in Victoria, claims people are leaping to the wrong conclusion if they think the inspector was planning to write a ticket.

"The same parking inspector was working the following day, marking the tyre was a way to remind himself that this car was off limits for a fine," he said.

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The council is standing by their man - even though other witnesses reportedly heard the inspector threatening to fine the driver.