The Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit is investigating eight deliberately lit fires in October and November.

When asked by The Courier if they had one or multiple suspects, Investigation and Response Inspector Bob Heaney was tight-lipped, saying police were investigating all possibilities.

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"We are continuing to investigate and haven't ruled that theory out yet," he said.

Without giving much else away, he said a team of detectives was working to gather as much intelligence and evidence as possible, but were also calling on the community for assistance.

The first fire was lit at Mount Clear on the afternoon of October 4. While firefighters were responding, they located two other fires in the area. The largest fire burnt through about six acres of bushland and did not damage any properties or cause any injuries.

Then, in the afternoon of November 3, another suspicious fire was lit near Hogarths Road West at Mount Buninyong.

It was Melbourne Cup Day and it took more than a dozen firefighting units and an aircraft to bring the bracken fire under control.

A week later, the night of November 10, another suspicious fire was lit on Mount Warrenheip Road at Mount Warrenheip.

Just days later, on November 15, another three suspicious fires were lit within hours of each other at Mount Clear.

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The first fire was lit on Tinworth Avenue about 6pm. As firefighters brought this under control, another fire was lit in scrub on Boak Road about 7pm.

Several hours later, a third fire was lit near the pine plantation on Tinworth Avenue.

With the fires occurring in relatively remote locations, Inspector Heaney asked residents who noticed any suspicious activity - whether a suspicious motorbike, car or pedestrian - to report it to police as even the smallest piece of information could be valuable to investigators.

"We want the community to be our eyes and ears out there," he said.

"The locals know what cars, people and traffic belongs in their area so if they see something that doesn't fit, we ask them to report it to us."

He also urged individuals to report any suspicions about a certain person to police - this can be done anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

Last week, police launched Operation Safeguard - an annual police operation which sees police focus their efforts on preventing, investigating and catching those responsible for intentionally or recklessly lit fires.

While most fires are caused by natural causes or are 'recklessly lit', such as by a campfire left unattended, sometimes fires are also deliberately lit.

Inspector Heaney said police would investigate any deliberately lit fire as a high priority as they could cause significant harm to the community - including loss of life or property.

"I have grave concerns as [these fires] are a massive risk," he said, adding that last summer was one of the most devastating fire seasons in history and nobody wanted to see those scenes play out again.

Inspector Heaney appealed to anyone who has deliberately lit a fire to come forward.

He asked them to consider the significant danger they have caused the community and said while police would deal with the matter, they could also help the person get help.

Call triple-0 for an immediate police response to an unfolding incident or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or visit the website.