A fault within a cluster of batteries used to power communications equipment was believed to be the cause of a $1 million fire.
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On Tuesday the fire destroyed Ben Lomond Alpine Hotel and a Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service shelter.
Regional Fire Investigator Andrew Emery said the severe fire damage had impeded the fire investigation.
“In a structure that has burnt for a considerable amount of time, finding a definitive fire cause can be difficult. In this case however, we were able to narrow down where the fire started to an area near the centre of the hotel,” he said.
“It is in this area we believe that a fault occurred in batteries that powered some of the communications equipment on the mountain.”
Fire crews from Blessington, Evandale, Ravenswood and White Hills were called to the scene about 10.20pm on Tuesday and found the hotel and public shelter engulfed in flames.
Access to water and fire appliances having to negotiate the steep winding access roads slowed down the firefighting effort.
