Aust ready to help with Indon bushfires

Australia could deploy an air tanker to help Indonesia fight dangerous bushfires.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said that in response to a request from the Indonesian government, the Australian government was ready to deploy a Lockheed L100 Hercules aircraft, not needed in Australia right now because of the lull in severe weather conditions.

"The fires are creating hazardous conditions in at least six Indonesian provinces. Over 135,000 Indonesians have been affected with respiratory illnesses. The fires have continued to worsen due to drought conditions across Indonesia," she said in a statement.