Police in Australia have set up a 100-strong investigation team to hunt the arsonists who are suspected of starting the Victoria bush fires that killed 181 and left thousands without homes this week.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd condemned the suspected arson describing it as “murder on a grand scale”. The 181 death toll is expected to rise considerably as fire fighters get the blazes under control and a more thorough search is able to begin.

Mr Rudd offered those without homes some relief, promising to rebuild damaged properties “brick by brick” and “school by school”. People unable to return to their homes have been offered relief cheques to help with food and temporary shelter.

Many residents in the state of Victoria remain on alert as many fires continue to burn.