Vic transgender woman charged over fires

A Melbourne transgender woman accused of lighting a series of bushfires has appeared in court.

Lee Lester, a man who identifies as a woman, is charged with 18 counts of intentionally causing a bushfire in the Ashwood area this month.

The 31-year-old appeared in court on Wednesday via video link from the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre.

Lester did not apply for bail, but the Melbourne Magistrates Court heard she would in future.

An order was made for the police informant in the case to format CCTV and lodge exhibits for analysis.

Lester was remanded in custody to reappear in court again on May 30.

Lester and another person, a 32-year-old man, are accused of lighting 18 fires between February 2 and last Friday.

The most recent fire was allegedly lit in Chadstone before the pair was arrested and charged.

It's alleged Lester lit fires in reserves and parks, some of which were in areas that bordered the railway line.

Lester lit three fires in Chadstone on February 11, according to court documents.