Arsonists charged over Victoria's bushfires in south Australia could face murder charges, police said on Sunday.

So far, 35 people have been killed and hundreds of homes have been destroyed by the bushfires which struck communities across Victoria over the weekend. And police have warned to expect more fatalities.

Victoria Police Deputy Chief Commissioner Kieran Walshe has said some of the fires were believed to have been deliberately lit.

The Australian Associated Press quoted a police spokeswoman in Victoria as saying that anyone found to have lit the fires would likely be charged with murder or manslaughter.

"They can be charged with murder, it depends on the evidence that comes to hand," the spokeswoman said, adding efforts were currently being focused on disaster victim identification and recovery of bodies.

(Xinhua News Agency February 8, 2009)