Australia fires: Troops called to tackle fires

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced 3,000 troops will be deployed to help tackle raging bushfires across the country.

BBC News reports this is the first time this has happened in Australia's history.

Temperatures are expected to soar above 40C in parts of south-east Australia today.

Since September, fires in Australia have killed at least 23 people.

Dozens of people are missing and some 1,500 homes have already been lost this fire season.

Morrison also announced A$20m has been allocated to lease four water bomber planes.