Rising temperatures challenge Tasmanian firefighters

A rise in temperature is expected to challenge firefighters battling blazes across Tasmania, burning thousands of hectares of bush, with smoke visible in NZ.

Firefighters battle bushfires in Tasmania. Source: Facebook/Southport fire brigade, Tasmania

Firefighters battling raging blazes in Tasmania are expected to face fresh challenges as the weather heats up mid-week.

Authorities are expected to confirm reports of property losses on Tuesday following an erratic fire burning near Geeveston, southwest of Hobart, where about 400 people have evacuated their homes.

Seven emergency warnings were in place on Monday night 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