CALIFORNIA – Californians are thanking Texas firefighters for traveling more than 1,000 miles to battle the state’s largest wildfire in history.

Firefighters from Round Rock, San Antonio, Schertz and 20 other counties deployed extra hands to California.

While crews were a long way from home, the locals made sure to make them feel welcome. Austin Fire Department Battalion Chief Randy Denzer said the streets are lined with signs and Texas flags as a thank you for their help.

“We noticed the Texas flag flying at the corner. When we stopped I asked a guy what part of Texas he was from. He responded, ‘We are from here, we wanted to thank Texas for coming to help us,” said Denzer.

One California family waited for the crews to drive by their house every morning and every night to say hello and wave their Texas flag.

Denzer said they have also been thanked by the local firefighters as well. The Austin crew worked with a California firefighter on his last shift in a 32-year career.

“He gave me a heartfelt ‘thank-you’ and a handshake. He said they by Texas sending troops, many of his guys and girls got their first break in months,” said Denzer.

The Associated Press is reporting the fire has spread to nearly the size of the city of Los Angeles as more than 750,000 acres burn.