A spate of deliberately lit fires across two states have police on alert, with a teenager charged and officers still hunting for a separate firebug.
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A 16-year-old Tasmanian boy has been charged with allegedly starting three grass fires north of Hobart on Tuesday, which damaged property and left firefighters scrambling.
Police are also hunting for a separate arsonist, who they fear is behind 14 suspicious fires in central Victoria since December 29.
These fires have burnt through grasslands near a school and roads at Marong, Muskerry, Myola and Diggora, located near Bendigo.
The fires have not caused any significant damage, but with the right conditions a small grassfire could turn into a dangerous bushfire, Victoria Police Detective Andrew Heazlewood told the Bendigo Advertiser.
"We are also urging people to keep an eye out for any suspicious behaviour, or cars parked on the side of the road near some of the fire areas to come forward," Detective Heazlewood said.
Tasmania Police said the teen accused of lighting fires will appear at Hobart Youth Justice Court at a later date.
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"Police are continuing to investigate the other fires that are believed to have been deliberately lit," officers said in a statement.
If you have information about these or other suspicious fires contact CrimeStoppers in Victoria or Tasmania or call 1800 333 000.
Nadine Morton
I report on crime, emergency services and police matters. Email me on nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
