New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia bushfires crisis: PM sends in troops, ships and planes
In an unprecedented move, 3000 troops, the HMAS Adelaide and multiple aircrafts have been deployed to bushfire danger zones.
Authorities are bracing for a dangerous new phase in the bushfires tonight, with high temperatures and strong winds set to exacerbate the already devastating fire conditions across the country.
There are fears a number of still-raging blazes could merge to create "monster infernos" in Victoria and New South Wales.
Emergency warnings are in place in Victoria and New South Wales, with scorching temperatures and unpredictable winds arriving, fanning hundreds of fires that continue to burn across large parts of Australia's east.
Thousands of firefighters have been deployed but there are fears that major blazes burning could spread into untouched regions.
Meanwhile, a picture of devastation is emerging on Kangaroo Island in South Australia - half of which has been razed by an out-of-control blaze that has killed at least two people.
Earlier this afternoon the PM announced the deployment of 3000 defence force reservists to assist with the bushfire crisis. HMAS Adelaide is also setting sail from Sydney to assist with bushfire evacuations in southern New South Wales and also Victoria.
Follow our live, rolling coverage of the crisis throughout the day.
Originally published as New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia bushfires crisis: PM sends in troops, ships and planes