Austin, TX

Austin Fire using high-tech mapping to help prevent wildfire disasters

Published

1 year ago

January 12, 2025

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Austin Fire using high-tech mapping to help prevent wildfire disasters

Austin Fire using advanced mapping to prevent wildfires

Austin firefighters are using advanced mapping technology to make sure they are prepared in the event of a wildfire.

AUSTIN, Texas – As devastating wildfires continue to rage across Southern California, the Austin Fire Department is taking some proactive measures to prepare for the possibility of a similar catastrophe striking closer to home.

Multiple lives lost, immeasurable destruction, and a community in crisis as the southern California wildfires continue to wreak havoc.

For Austin Fire Department’s Senior Geospatial Analyst Braniff Davis, it’s not a matter of if, but when a devastating wildfire breaks out in the area.

To help stay prepared for a wildfire, the agency uses high-tech mapping from a company called Esri.

What they’re saying:

“We use GIS or geographic information spatial information in order to help prepare the Austin Fire Department for fighting wildfires,” Davis said.

The city of Austin is using their high-tech mapping to improve fire prevention, response and damage assessment.

“It’s a great example of a local government addressing the risk in their community and either preventing or mitigating the risk and being able to respond to it,” Esri’s Director of Fire, Rescue and EMS Mike Cox said.

Big picture view:

Here’s how it works. It all starts with understanding risk, understanding the topography and who is being impacted by the incidents.

“As an example, I can do an analysis in GI and understand how many homes have disabilities within a certain planning zone or how many homes don’t have vehicles based on, you know, with concerns for evacuation, you know, who can self-evacuate and who can’t. So, these kind of data sets are available to these responders, to these agencies to be able to do this kind of planning,” Cox said.

Then, it’s about planning the response through geographic information technology.

First responders can now track firefighter locations, coordinate large-scale search and rescue efforts, and even monitor the movement of responding helicopters in real-time.

“What you’re seeing there is obviously a map with structural footprints. You see those tracks that are laid by the responders as they move through an area, and they’re dropping symbology around damage assessment of homes or evacuations. It’s incredibly important in a command post or an emergency operations center to be able to deploy resources efficiently and put people where they need to be to have the most impact and also to keep our responders out of hazardous areas,” Cox said.

Finally comes the recovery phase.

Esri mapping can identify where the damaged structures are post-fire to help begin the rebuild process.

“The recovery process at a federal level as they start tracking these damage assessments and can start funneling the funding to the right agencies and right people that need the help the most based on this data collection,” said Cox.

Local perspective:

For Davis, he says, while in its early stages, these tools are being used city wide by Austin Fire, with the hope for all other first responding agencies to utilize them in the future.

In the meantime, he says all AFD firefighters are being trained on how to use the situational awareness platform ahead of the next wildfire.

The goal, he says, is to get resources out to a fire as soon as it happens.

“Once we can get everybody all their data into this platform, then it just becomes a seamless one-stop shop for every bit of information you need for an emergency situation,” Davis said.

Dig deeper:

More information on Austin’s Wildfire Hub can be found here: Wildfire

More on Esri: GIS Software for Mapping and Spatial Analytics | Esri

The Source: Information in this article comes from FOX 7’s Jenna King’s interviews.

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Austin, TX

Top 5 Events In Austin Today – Saturday, 17th January, 2026

Published

10 hours ago

January 17, 2026

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Top 5 Events in Austin Today - Saturday, 17th January, 2026 - Collage

Updated: Saturday, January 17, 2026

This Saturday, January 17th, 2026, Austin is radiating with energy, offering a soulful blend of wellness, history, and world-class performance!

Below is my list of the Top 5 events in Austin today. For a complete round-up, check out my article on the best Events Happening in Austin this Weekend!

Today’s highlights offer something for every vibe, whether you’re seeking a fresh perspective at the Metaphysical Fair for Austin or honoring a powerful legacy at the MLK Kids Event in San Marcos. For those looking to move, the Mind, Body, Vacancy series at Vacancy Brewing kicks off your morning with community-focused wellness.

As evening falls, you can choose between the breathtaking choreography of the Mark Morris Dance Group at Bass Concert Hall or an intimate, string-quartet tribute to Coldplay under the glow of candlelight in Georgetown. Whether you’re exploring the arts, diving into spiritual wellness, or enjoying family-friendly history, these top picks capture the very best of the Greater Austin area this Saturday.

Read on to plan your day and make some unforgettable memories in Central Texas!

Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

Top 5 Events in Austin Today – Saturday, 17th January, 2026

Metaphysical Fair for Austin

Image Credit: heartoftexasfairs.com

Experience a day of insight and transformation at the Metaphysical Fair for Austin. Visitors can connect with gifted psychics, healers, and intuitive readers while exploring a variety of metaphysical vendors.

The event also offers a unique opportunity to discover crystals and spiritual tools designed to provide guidance and refresh your energy for the year ahead.

Where: Wyndham Garden Austin, 3401 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78741
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026
How Much: Free

MLK Kids Event

Image Credit: dhasmtx.com

Join the Dunbar Heritage Association for a vibrant celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This family-friendly event invites children and teens (ages 3–18) to engage with history through new books, art, videos, and hands-on crafts.

Where: San Marcos Public Library, 625 E Hopkins St, San Marcos, TX 78666
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 10:30 am – 1 pm
How Much: Free

Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay on Strings

Experience the music of Coldplay reimagined for a string quartet at the Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center at Southwestern University.

The evening’s tentative program features orchestral arrangements of the band’s most iconic hits, including “Yellow,” “The Scientist,” “Fix You,” and “A Sky Full of Stars.” Secure your tickets to enjoy these contemporary anthems in an intimate, atmospheric environment.

Where: Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center at Southwestern University, 1001 E University Ave, Georgetown, TX 78626
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 8:45 pm
How Much: Starts at $31

Mind, Body, Vacancy: Social Wellness Series at Vacancy Brewing

Top 5 Events in Austin Today - Social Wellness Series at Vacancy Brewing

Image Credit: Vacancy Brewing FB Page

Join us at Vacancy Brewing for Mind, Body, Vacancy, a four-week social wellness series at Vacancy Brewing focused on movement, community, and good vibes. Each week brings a new local fitness partner and class style, all levels welcome.

Where: 415 E St Elmo Rd 1 d2, Austin, TX 78745
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 11 am
How Much: Free

Mark Morris Dance Group: The Look of Love

Top 5 Events in Austin Today - The Look of Love

Image Credit: texasperformingarts.org

This production celebrates Bacharach’s sophisticated musical style, which blends jazz, rock, and Brazilian influences with the evocative, bittersweet lyrics of Hal David. The production is anchored by a live ensemble of piano, trumpet, bass, and drums, led by the powerhouse vocals of Broadway star Marcy Harriell.

Where: Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 7:30 pm
How Much: Not stated

Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.

Austin, TX

Central Texas ICE operations called ‘not American’ as concern of future raids grows

Published

22 hours ago

January 16, 2026

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Central Texas ICE operations called ‘not American’ as concern of future raids grows

AUSTIN, Texas — The organization Mano Amiga and U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett have voiced strong opposition to recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Central Texas. Natasha Martin from Mano Amiga expressed concern over the impact of these operations, stating, “Fear is definitely the emotion that is at the forefront of the community.” Martin added that ICE’s actions are “eroding community trust, and it is putting vulnerable families at risk.”

Rep. Doggett criticized ICE agents after viewing footage of an arrest in Hays County, which reportedly resulted in a detainee being injured. “ICE is going out and deliberately causing violent situations,” Doggett said, emphasizing that such actions are “not American.”

Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, defended ICE officers, stating they are trained in “driving training, firearm training, de-escalation training.”

While Doggett supports the removal of undocumented immigrants causing trouble, he insists on demanding more information from ICE.

ALSO| ICE operations confirmed in Hays County, local officials respond

Most notably, transparency when it comes to notifying the appropriate officials, saying, “what we can do is continue to demand more information from them,” and that a lack of notification, “It’s unfair to them. It’s unfair to our neighbors to have these kinds of mask operations dragging people out of cars and homes.”

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s office did not directly respond to inquiries about whether they were notified ahead of the operations, but reiterated support for the Trump administration’s deportation efforts. Press Secretary Andrew Mahaleris stated the following:

Governor Abbott fully supports using every tool and strategy to aid in the Trump Administration’s deportation of illegal immigrants, and city and county officials across the state should fully cooperate in those efforts. Texas is a law-and-order state, and it works hand in glove with ICE every single day to uphold the laws of this country. Texas will continue to assist the Trump Administration in arresting, detaining, and deporting illegal immigrants.

Doggett announced he would not support an upcoming appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security, advocating instead for border security. Meanwhile, Austin city leaders plan to review local police policies regarding compliance with ICE.

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Austin, TX

Austin private schools shut out of Texas voucher program. Why?

Published

1 day ago

January 16, 2026

Press Room

Austin private schools shut out of Texas voucher program. Why?

Dozens of Austin private schools are currently shut out of participating in Texas’ new school voucher program because of alleged ties to foreign governments or terrorist organizations.

Many private schools in Texas accredited by the nonprofit Cognia have been unable to apply to the state’s new voucher program, the Houston Chronicle reported this week. Of the almost 40 private schools in Austin that have only been accredited by the group, just one has been approved to participate in the new $1 billion education savings account program, the Statesman found.

The discrepancy comes after Comptroller Kelly Hancock, who oversees the new voucher program, sought an opinion in mid-December from Attorney General Ken Paxton on whether some private schools could be prohibited from participating in the program over alleged ties to the Chinese government or the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a nonprofit Gov. Greg Abbott has declared a terrorist group.

In his letter to Paxton, Hancock raised concerns about schools that he claimed hosted events organized by CAIR and schools that he said may be owned or linked to “an adviser to the Chinese communist government.” In both cases, the schools were accredited by Cognia, he wrote.

To be eligible, private schools must be accredited and in operation for at least two years. The schools also must administer a nationally norm-referenced test to students in third grade and above. Schools that provide virtual-only education can also apply.

The vouchers will provide students up to about $10,500 toward private school tuition per year, with students who receive special education services eligible for up to $30,000. Homeschooled students can receive up to $2,000 for tutoring, courses or materials. Vendors who provide these services must also receive approval from the comptroller’s office.

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