Australia bushfires: Mega blaze likely today

Authorities have warned that two of Australia’s bush fires are likely to merge into a so-called mega blaze this evening

The merger is expected at the border of New South Wales and Victoria and has been feared for days.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison warned that Friday would be a difficult day in the eastern states amid forecasts of heat, strong winds and dry lightning.

In South Australia, Kangaroo Island also faced an abrupt threat.

A spokesman for the New South Wales (NSW) rural fire service told newsmen that the merger of two fires – both of which are out of control – was imminent and expected at about 8pm.