Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced the Australian Defence Force will be deployed in fire-ravaged communities.

The federal government today announced 3000 army reservists will be called-up and deployed to fire zones across four states, following a meeting of the National Security Committee of Cabinet.

$20 million has been committed to provide four extra water-bombing planes.

HMAS Adelaide, the navy’s largest amphibious ship, will also be deployed to evacuate residents from fire-affected areas.

Mr Morrison tells Luke Grant this is the very first time they have called on the deployment of the ADF in a disaster of this nature.

“This is a compulsory call-out.

“We’re stepping in now, we’re not waiting to be asked [by the states].”

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Image: Getty/James Gourley