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Arson squad and forensic officers are investigating the cause of a bushfire that destroyed 16 homes on the New South Wales<\/a> Central Coast on the weekend.<\/p>\n Fanned by high temperatures and strong winds, the out-of-control blaze swept across Koolewong on Saturday<\/a> afternoon, with the flames at one point jumping a stretch of water 1km wide.<\/p>\n On Tuesday morning, NSW police confirmed crime scenes had been established at houses and dwellings on Nimbin Avenue, Glenrock Parade and John Street in Koolewong.<\/p>\n The Rural Fire Services (RFS) commissioner, Trent Curtin, said it was still unclear how the Koolewong fire started.<\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t want to speculate at this stage as to what the cause might be. There are many things that it may be,\u201d Curtin said on ABC radio.<\/p>\n The national broadcaster reported an officer was photographed at the scene carrying a clear plastic evidence bag containing a red jerry can.<\/p>\n NSW police said investigations at the \u201cactive crime scenes\u201d <\/strong><\/em>had been suspended due to \u201csafety concerns\u201d with structural engineers now engaged.<\/p>\n \u201cInvestigations are anticipated to recommence once the area has been declared safe by authorities,\u201d a spokesperson said.<\/p>\n \u201cAs investigations remain ongoing, the NSW police force, Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW Rural Fire Service will continue operations in the area for the foreseeable future.\u201d<\/p>\n Central Coast council said it was unable to comment, given the police investigation was ongoing.<\/p>\n Another four homes were destroyed in a bushfire at Bulahdelah<\/a> on the mid-north coast on the weekend. In Tasmania<\/a>, 19 homes were lost in Dolphin Sands.<\/p>\n The Tasmania Fire Service issued fresh \u201cwatch and act\u201d advice for Dolphin Sands on Tuesday before midday.<\/p>\n \u201cAlthough there is no immediate danger from bushfire, residents need to monitor conditions and be alert for any changes,\u201d the service stated.<\/p>\n Firefighters in NSW were continuing to contain the bushfire south of Buladelah on both sides of the Pacific Highway that had burned more than 4,600 hectares.<\/p>\n The blaze, at advice level, was burning in the Myall Lakes national park between Crawford River and Nerong.<\/p>\n