COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- Texas is preparing to send approximately 98 firefighters from fire departments in 20 counties to help battle the wildfires that are ravaging California.

California officials last week requested help from Texas A&M Forest Service via the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS).

“It’s about neighbors helping neighbors. We call TIFMAS our ‘surge capacity’ for Texas. Guess this time their reach is a bit farther away but we hope to make a big impact in people’s lives,” said Tom Boggus, Texas A&M Forest Service director.

California wildfires have so far burned more than 750,000 acres. There are currently 20 uncontained wildfires in the Golden State.

The deployment includes firefighters from the Austin Fire Department, the San Antonio Fire Department, the Round Rock Fire Department and the Schertz Fire Department, among many others.

A convoy of transports deployed Monday night and more engines are rolling out for the two-day trip to Northern California. Responders will board flights beginning Wednesday and will report for duty Thursday.