Police have launched an investigation into a significant bushfire that put dozens of homes at risk in Ravenswood overnight.
Emergency services were called to Ravenswood Reserve around 3:20pm on Thursday after receiving reports a fire was burning out of control.
Tasmania Fire Service District Officer Rick Mahnken said 184 hectares had been burnt as of 12:30pm on Thursday.
He said the fire was still being contained, but had been downgraded from the earlier ‘Watch and Act’ level warning to ‘Advice’ level.
A smoke alert remains active for Ravenswood.
“Crews are expected to remain on the ground for several days, with fire weather forecast to be moderate today and high across the weekend,” he said.
“No structures or critical assets have been impacted by the fire and backburning operations will commence today which may cause smoke in the area.”
Tasmania Fire Service investigators have determined the fire was deliberately lit and have called in police to investigate.
Detective Inspector Nathan Johnston said anyone with information was encouraged to come forward.
“Information can be provided by calling police or you can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously,” he said.
“Making a report to Crime Stoppers is completely confidential.”
People that do not need to travel through Ravenswood are being told to avoid the area to allow emergency services to continue with their operations in the coming days.
“If you are passing emergency service vehicles with lights flashing, remember to slow down to 40km/h,” he said.
“The community can also expect to see an increased police presence in the Ravenswood area over the coming days as part of the ongoing investigation.”
