Firefighters Deliberately Merge Fires in Australia

Trying to control bush fires

Firefighters in Australia have deliberately joined up two large fires as part of efforts to control bushfires across New South Wales.

The fires near the Blue Mountains had been "tactically joined" to stop them merging with a third, officials say.

Teams are engaged in extensive back-burning operations across the state ahead of worsening conditions expected on Wednesday.

On Tuesday morning more than 60 blazes were still alight, with 13 uncontained.