Volunteers and emergency services employees who have risked their lives battling Australia's catastrophic bushfires will be eligible to receive a National Emergency Medal.

Recipients will join a group of 15,000 men and women who have been recognised for their efforts during previous crises in Australia.

Firefighters who have died battling blazes can be nominated posthumously.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has also broadened the nomination criteria to include international troops who came to Australia solely to help get the infernos under control.

Mr Morrison on Australia Day said the medal would go to people who have offered 'sustained or significant service' during the crisis.

'Today as we reflect on what makes our country the best place in the world, we also honour those Australians who have battled this devastating fire season, many of whom will be on firegrounds today protecting our communities from danger,' he said.

'The response to the bushfire situation has been unprecedented with thousands of volunteer and paid responders working around the clock, day and night, week after week to protect property andsave lives.

Other recipients in the past have included 4470 firefighters who fought the Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria in 2009 and emergency services officers who responded to the Queensland floods andCyclone Yasi.

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Firefighters who have risked their lives to battleout-of-control bushfires will be eligible for a rare medal given out to honour bravery in emergencies(https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7929855/Australian-Bushfire-Crisis-National-Emergency-Medal-offered-firefighters.html)