Firefighters were called to the incidents on Felltimber Creek Road, Old Barnawartha Road, Plunketts Road and at Federation Hill between about 10pm on Wednesday and 8am on Thursday.

The fires burnt through grass and scrub during dry and windy conditions.

Severe weather warnings had been issued for the region, with strong wind gusts recorded on Thursday morning.

It hasn’t rained for nearly three weeks, which had followed a month-long dry patch.

Acting Detective Senior Constable Tina Byford said there were similarities between the incidents, which are believed to be linked.

“We take fire very seriously,” she said.

“It’s a bushy area, we live in a rural community.

“So we will certainly be investigating this fully.”

There was a risk the fires could spread to nearby properties but firefighters contained the incidents before they could damage any homes.

“We’re just trying to identify suspects,” Acting Detective Senior Constable Byford said.

“Anyone who’s seen anything or seen anyone in those areas overnight, if they could contact Crime Stoppers or Victoria Police.

“We think they’re deliberately lit.

“We’re still making enquiries as to how and why they were lit.”

Wodonga West fire brigade captain Ross Coyle said it had been a “very long night” for firefighters. 

He believes some of the fires had likely been burning for some time before they were noticed and reported to Triple-0. 

“It was very steep and hilly terrain,” he said of the Felltimber Creek Road blaze.

“Given the conditions when we arrived, it was a bit difficult.

“Given the time of morning, we were fortunate enough to get along the front of it in a fairly quick manner.

“It probably took us about 45 minutes to contain.”

Firefighters responded to a string of incidents on Thursday, with fires starting at Thoona, Boomanoomana, Mulwala, Mt Buffalo, Glenellen and other locations. 

Anyone with information about the suspicious fires can contact police on (02) 6049 2600 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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