On the 11^th February 2018, at around 01.50am, Tasmania police responded to two separate house fires in Herdsmans Cove and Bridgewater. Both fires are being treated as suspicious.

The residence in Gangell Place has been vacant for around three weeks. A pile of mattresses were pushed under the cellar which were set alight. The damage to the residence was minimal, estimated at around $5000.

A residence in Cowle Road, Bridgewater was also set alight. Again, this is being treated as suspicious. The fire was contained to a front room and the damage, at this stage, is estimated to be around $8000.

Members from Glenorchy Criminal Investigation Branch are currently investigating both matters in conjunction with the Tasmania Fire Service.

Tasmania police are committed to utilising the necessary resources to investigate, identify and prosecute those responsible.

It does not appear both incidents are linked.

Tasmania police urges those members of the community with any information concerning both fires to come forward.

Information can be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au