As the fires in Southern California rage on, some families with ties to Central Texas say they've had to evacuate.

More than 100 Texas firefighters and equipment are in southern California to help battle the deadly wildfires. Some Austin-area firefighters are also making the trip.

So far in 2025, there have been 22 wildland fires in Texas, amounting to 196.1 acres burned, according to data from the National Geographic Area Coordination Center.

A fire at a one of the world’s largest battery plants in California contained tens of thousands of lithium batteries that store power from renewable energy sources

Texas sends more than 135 firefighters, including medical personnel, to aid California fire departments struggling to extinguish wildfires.

The other four cities in the top five are all in Southern California, an area that is experiencing devastating levels of fire destruction this month. But there are key differences between that region and Austin,

More than 100 Texas firefighters and equipment will head to California to help battle deadly wildfires in the state.

AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Saturday, Governor Greg Abbott announced Texas would send resources to aid California’s wildfire response.

High-tech mapping technology is being used by the Austin Fire Department to help the agency stay more prepared in the event of devastating wildfires.

Re: Jan. 12 story, Vouchers, border security, abortion. A look at lawmakers' 2025 priorities I was dismayed when I read Sunday’s headline stating that Texas’ top issues are vouchers, border security and abortion. They are not my priorities. I am more concerned about public school funding, homelessness and foster care. Caren Floyd, Austin Texas Republicans must stop the infighting and be an example to the nation As we prepare for the new Texas Legislative session, I would implore my fellow Republicans to remember Reagan's 11th commandment: "Thou shalt not speak ill of any fellow Republican." We have an opportunity to be a shining light and an example of why Republican tenets are the RIGHT way for our state and our nation. Instead of showcasing liberal failures we are spending energy on tearing each other down. Our first Republican president, Abraham Lincoln was prescient in quoting the Bible when he stated, "A house divided cannot stand." It is my prayer that we all heed this warning. Karen Watson, Dallas Keep "church" out of the "state" like the founding fathers wanted Re: Jan. 17 story, How Texas GOP activists are planning to take “spiritual jurisdiction” over Legislature How dare Pastor Brandon Burden claim authority over the Texas legislature for his own purposes. He’s welcome to his beliefs and his God, but not our elected officials or the well-being of every Texan. And GOP Chair Abraham George seems to have forgotten that separation of church and state was so important to the founding fathers they made it clear in the First Amendment. Finally, former Rep. Jonathan Stickland should be ashamed for his hateful rhetoric against Rep. Salman Bhojani for choosing to be sworn in on the text of his own religion, the Quran. We don’t need that kind of “Christian” anywhere in our government. Rona Distenfeld, Austin Outreach workers caring for homeless know the true meaning of selflessness Re: Jan. 12 story, The price of homelessness Take mine, I have more at home and you have none. This is what Sunrise Center worker Pamela Bryant said to a freezing homeless woman with no shoes as she handed her own shoes to her, then bent down and helped her tie the laces. I'm not religious, but this sounds like something that would be written in the Bible. Desperate people need a gentle hand to pull them up, but they also desire someone to get down on the ground with them to look into their sad eyes and say you matter, you are worthy. Let me help. Pamela, you are what I call a "human angel." Your actions stirred my soul. Thank you for being you. Valerie Goranson, Round Rock Will President-elect Trump rise above pettiness and help California? We are about to see what the genuine character of the incoming president is. Is he going to be a president for all Americans and offer support and sympathy for the victims of the wildfires in California? Is he going to rise above cruel vindictiveness he typically shows for people who don’t support him 100%? Or is he going to yield to his worst demons and tell the people in distress that they are on their own? His help and support − or not − for those people in California are going to be his first serious test and evaluation. Judging from what I have seen and heard so far, my hopes for the next president to do the correct, American thing are not very high. Ben Liles, Salado Take over Greenland? Try working on the U.S. first So, President-elect Donald Trump wants to spend U.S. resources to purchase or invade Greenland supposedly for our national security purposes? I suggest that a historically undereducated, poorly trained population is the greatest threat to our national security and economy. During my 70 plus years, the same states — West Virginia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and Arkansas — keep topping the list of the worst performing states in math, reading, health and so on. And Texas can’t brag too much either. Instead of invading Greenland, why not let top performing states like Massachusetts and Connecticut outright offer to purchase or take over the lowest performing states and overall raise our national capabilities? Let’s Make America Greater! Carol Cox, Lakeway Raising the flag to full staff only to get favor from Trump Gov. Greg Abbott has directed the U.S. flag be flown at full-staff on Inauguration Day. This is a blatant attempt to curry favor with President-elect Donald Trump. This craven act proves once again that he has no integrity. Jerry Goodrich, Cedar Park Honoring President Jimmy Carter for the true statesman he was It’s absurd that President-elect Donald Trump once whined about flags being at half-staff during his inauguration to honor former President Jimmy Carter, a man of far greater character. Now, Gov. Greg Abbott has embarrassingly ordered flags in Texas raised to full staff for Trump’s inauguration, apparently at Trump’s urging. What kind of juvenile insecurity drives a former president to feel threatened by honoring a deceased statesman? Carter’s humility, humanitarian work and leadership tower over Trump’s fragile ego. Abbott’s obsequious response is an even sadder display of political weakness — practically a “dance monkey dance” act to appease Trump’s petty demands. This isn’t just disrespectful to Carter’s memory; it demeans public service itself. True strength is found in humility and respect, qualities that Trump and Abbott clearly lack. Their actions are a disgrace to the principles of dignity and honor that Carter embodied. Charles Suhler, Austin This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Lawmakers out of touch with what Texans actually prioritize | Letters

American universities are failing to disclose millions of dollars in funding from China, a report released Wednesday found. The University

CASTAIC, Calif. — Firefighters fought to maintain the upper hand on a huge and rapidly moving wildfire that swept through rugged mountains north of Los Angeles and resulted in more than 50,000 people being put under evacuation orders or warnings.