Remote bushfires may have been deliberately lit

Cooler conditions are helping fire fighters battling a blaze in Tasmania’s Central Highlands.

Two bushfires that flared in Tasmania’s remote highlands on a day of severe heat may have been deliberately lit.

Emergency crews were battling a blaze at Brady’s Lake in the Central Highlands in cooler weather on Friday after fires in the area sparked an emergency evacuation order a day earlier.

Temperatures peaked in the mid-30s in Tasmania on Thursday, prompting a fire ban across the state’s south.

The Brady’s Lake fire, near the community of Dee, as well as one at Snake Tier have been referred to police for criminal investigation.

The cause of three other nearby fires is being probed by the Tasmania Fire Service.

“This is being taken extremely seriously and we’re urging anyone with information to come forward,” Tasmania Police commander Jason Elmer said.

A dozen aircraft and 27 ground crews were fighting the Brady’s Lake fire on Thursday.

Fire service deputy chief officer Matt Lowe said although temperatures had dropped, high fire danger ratings remained in place across much of the state.

Authorities are assessing whether any properties have been damaged.

An evacuation centre was opened in New Norfolk on Thursday night, with about 80 people also leaving Ouse and heading to Gretna.

A watch and act alert remained in place for the Central Highlands fires, with residents told to prepare to leave if conditions worsen.