A standpipe and hose were stolen from Dover Street, Mowbray, while crews attended to a grass fire at about 2:30pm.

"The thefts of the standpipe and hose hindered fire crew's attempts to control the grass fire on a day of challenging conditions," police said.

A spokesperson from the crew based out of Rocherlea Fire Station said this was the second theft of similar equipment in the area in a fortnight.

A witness reported seeing three youths running from the area with the stolen equipment. 

Police appealed to the public for help identifying the theifs and locating the equipment.

Any information could be passed onto Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.