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Source: Reuters -
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Victorian police are seeking a firebug who lit a fire near the town of Baxter on Thursday night as a bushfire relief telethon went to air on Australia's Channel Nine.
Fire crews were able to put out the fire before it took hold in the tinder dry region.
Hunt for arsonists
Police are continuing the hunt for arsonists responsible for starting some of the bushfires that have devastated Victoria.
Two men were detained on Thursday after reports of looting. Initial reports were that they were held in connection to the arsons. They are not suspected of starting the fires.
A special taskforce, Taskforce Phoenix, has been set up to investigate the cause of the bushfires, many of which are believed to have been deliberately lit.
The Gippsland fire, believed to have been started deliberately has so far claimed 21 lives. A serial arsonist known to police is being investigated in relation to the blaze.
Investigators of the Marysville fire, where up to 100 residents have perished, say the blaze was too intense to have started on its own.
A psychologist says the arsonists are likely to be young, male loners.
Many firebugs come from the area where the fire is set, says University of South Australia psychologist Robert Heath, with some even joining efforts to douse the flames.
"Some suffer from a feeling of impotence and light fires to give themselves a sense of being in control," Heath says.
Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has described the actions of arsonist as "mass murder".
The number of deaths stands at 181, with around 5,000 people now homeless. The toll is expected to rise.
Criticism
Criticism has grown over the lack of an early warning system which could have prevented the large loss of life.
The Australian newspaper is reporting that a telephone-based alert system was considered, but this was rejected by because of the $20 million cost.
The policy advising residents to "stay and defend or leave early" is also being reviewed in light of the high death toll. Criticism has also been leveled at conservation efforts and forest reserves which some blame for the spread of the fires, providing fuel for the blaze.
The fires have also prompted greater action on climate change.
As the fires enter their seventh day, 15 blazes remain out of control. Cooler weather and lighter winds have allowed firefighters to build new control lines.
More hot, windy weather is expected next week, along with lightning strikes that could start new fires.
Relief
Rudd has promised a $10 million relief package.
Most of those who survived the infernos lost everything in the blaze. Many left homeless are gathered at community centres or are living in tent cities.
The Channel Nine fund-raising telethon for fire victims has raised at least $76 million. The event hosted by Eddie McGuire featured celebrities including Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe.
New Zealand donations have reached nearly $650,000.
Do you have friends or relatives who have been caught up in Victoria's bushfires? If so, ONE News would like to hear from you. Email us at news@tvnz.co.nz or phone 0800 886397 or 09 916 7321.
Click here to find out how you can donate to the victims of the Australian bushfires.
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