In Australia, the Government has decided to send military aircraft and vessels in the fire-ravaged states of New South Wales and Victoria. The military is expected to provide humanitarian assistance and carry out evacuations if needed in the coming days.<br />'' <br />'' Meanwhile, thousands of people fled to beaches in the south-eastern states today as emergency-level fires spread.<br />'' <br />''<br />''In Mallacoota, Victoria, around 4,000 people sought shelter on the coast. Two more people have been confirmed dead in New South Wales, bringing the fire-linked death toll to 12. Authorities say four people are missing in Victoria and another in New South Wales.<br />