TODAY'S cooler weather is not a sign to get complacent about Tasmania's raging bushfires, the state's top firefighter has warned.
As the bushfire damage bill soars to $26 million, Tasmania Fire Service chief officer Mike Brown said major fires were still burning out of control.
"Just because conditions have got a little cooler people shouldn't get complacent, they need to know we've still got major fires burning across the state," he said.
The "long haul" nature of the 20-odd bushfires now around Tasmania, that have burnt their way through 75,000 hectares since Thursday, is pushing the state's firefighting capabilities to the limit.
Mr Brown said he had sought and got help from interstate emergency services and would decide whether he needed to make further requests later this week.
Five tankers and 12 Northern volunteer firefighters were deployed in Hamilton to combat the Lake Repulse fire yesterday for a three-day relief stint.
Emergency crews are continuing to focus on containing the larger bushfires known as the Forcett, Bicheno, Lake Repulse and Montumana fires because of their closeness to communities.
The containment of the Forcett fire, which devastated the small town of Dunalley at the weekend with up to 65 homes lost, is proving difficult to rein in.
Mr Brown urged anyone who had been in an affected area "even if they are fine" to register with the National Registration and Inquiry Service on 1800727077 or at www.redcross.org.au
The Insurance Council of Australia said the 350 claims made so far had brought the damage bill to $26 million but this was expected to rise sharply.
Northern firefighters were trying to contain a fast moving grass fire at Barton Road, Epping Forest, yesterday.
The fire danger rating in the area was high with fire under these conditions difficult to control.
There was no immediate threat to communities.
The fire service warned of possible smoke and ash falling on Isis Road, Valleyfield Road, and Macquarie Road through to Campbell Town.
There were no road closures.