Smoke from Tasmania's numerous bushfires is being spotted as far away as New Zealand as parts of the state remain at threat from blazes up to 20,000 hectares in size.
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The greatest threat on Monday was posed by an "erratic" fire burning near Geeveston, southwest of Hobart, where about 400 people have evacuated their homes.
There were reports of property losses which authorities said were unlikely to be confirmed until Tuesday.
"The risk to life and property remains high," Tasmania Fire Service Deputy Chief Officer Bruce Byatt said.
Six emergency warnings were in place for the 20,000-hectare blaze, known as the Riveaux Road fire, which is also close to the centres of Judbury, Port Huon, Castle Forbes Bay and Lonnavale.
The threat is likely to last until the early hours of Tuesday and unprepared residents should evacuate.
There are two other emergency warnings for the central Great Pine Tier fire which has been burning for almost a fortnight, and 44 blazes continue across the state.
"Clearly the whole of Tasmania is impacted by smoke and we've even had reports from as far away as New Zealand has been impacted by the Tasmanian fires," Mr Byatt said.
While fire conditions have eased compared to recent days, residents have been told to remain vigilant with the threat forecast to escalate by midweek.
The Bureau of Meteorology warned that Wednesday would be the hottest day for the week, bringing very high-to-severe fire danger ratings, before possible rainfall and thunderstorms, as a cooler change moves through.
"These (fire) alerts will be in place in towns and communities informed for as long as it takes to ensure they're safe," Regional Chief Jeremy Smith said.
Despite Monday's public holiday, bank branches at Huonville, southwest of Hobart, opened to allow recipients of government assistance grants to cash their cheques.
Authorities are closely watching firefighters, some of whom have been working frontline shifts since before Christmas.
"We're monitoring and providing rest wherever we can and also looking right across the whole state about moving resources if required," Mr Smith said.
Interstate and New Zealand crews are already helping the Tasmanian fire battle.
A 737 bomber aircraft from NSW is due to drop a load of fire retardant on the Riveaux Road blaze late on Monday.
Some of Tasmania's National Parks remain closed as the fires continue, with the situation being closely monitored and reconsidered daily.
Australian Associated Press
