Crossword Genius

Paint can — it could cause damage to the environment (5,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

brush fire

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

This might be a double definition.

'paint' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'it could cause damage to the environment' is the second definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'can' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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