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One of the largest peacetime evacuations in Australia's history in underway, as police escort convoys of vehicles out of fire-ravaged areas, and a navy ship is set to carry hundreds of people to safety in eastern Victoria.
Last night authorities declared a "state of disaster" across much of Victoria's east, giving police and firefighters the power to forcefully evacuate people ahead of worsening conditions. Premier Daniel Andrews also revealed a second person has died in the Victoria fires.
Meanwhile in New South Wales, much of the south-eastern corner is under a state of emergency, with people urged to leave ahead of severe fire conditions tomorrow.
"We face unprecedented risk to loss and property in coming days. If you can leave, then you must leave. We cannot guarantee your safety."
And the navy will begin evacuating people from the bushfire-ravaged town of Mallacoota on Victoria's south-east coast this morning. Some four thousand residents and tourists have been trapped since New Year's Eve. Up to 800 people to be ferried from the foreshore to Hmas Choules, for a 17 hour journey west, to port Welshpool.
Prime minister Scott Morrison has been met with hostility and criticism while visiting the New South Wales coast. Touring the fire-ravaged town of Cabargo, a fire fighter refused to shake the PM's hand. There was another awkward moment with a woman who demanded more funding for the Rural Fire Service. One man told the prime minister he's "left the country to burn" and should be "ashamed of himself".
