Authorities have confirmed that at least two shacks and one shed have been destroyed in bushfires believed to have been deliberately lit in Tasmania’s Central Highlands.
Tasmania Fire Service Deputy Chief Officer Matt Lowe said investigators were continuing to comb through the area as firefighting efforts continue.
“At the moment we have three fires of concern, one on the western side of Osterly and another two either side of Dee Lagoon,” he said.
Tasmania Police are investigating the fires as a criminal matter, with the suspicious blazes already having burned around 4,000 hectares.
“It’s highly likely that two of the five fires that were reported in the area on Wednesday afternoon were deliberately lit,” Southern Commander Jason Elmer said.
“If anyone saw anything suspicious in the area on Wednesday, whether it was a person or a vehicle, we ask that you share that information with us.”
He slammed the act of deliberately lighting fires as “appalling” and said it has the potential to risk the lives and livelihoods of people.
“An active investigation is underway and we have some experienced detectives who are leading that investigation and will leave no stone unturned in their efforts to apprehend whoever is responsible.”
Anyone with information should contact Bridgewater CIB on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
