“Just Trying To Save Some Photos”– LA Firefighters Go Viral For Saving Photo Albums As House Catches Fire

Seeing the devastation that California is facing from the rapid spread of wildfires in Los Angeles and surrounding areas is genuinely heartbreaking. The destruction is unspeakable. Blocks and blocks of Pacific Palisades have been completely leveled. Thousands have lost homes, businesses, and their entire livelihood. And even more heartbreaking, a handful of citizens have even lost their lives. https://twitter.com/wesnichols/status/1876901150676693491?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1876901150676693491%7Ctwgr%5E6867d7d5aa337df3d79f1cd4769b3891411e5b71%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whiskeyriff.com%2F2025%2F01%2F08%2Fabcs-david-muir-mocked-for-pinning-his-fire-jacket-back-during-california-wildfire-report-vanity-never-takes-a-pause%2F According to NBC News, authorities have issued a mandatory evacuation after the latest fire, the Sunset Fire, which rapidly spread over 60 acres and now threatens significant landmarks. The area ordered to evacuate includes Laurel Canyon Boulevard (on the west), Mulholland Drive (on the north), 101 Freeway (on the east), and Hollywood Boulevard (on the south). https://twitter.com/CollinRugg/status/1877181014356930968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1877181014356930968%7Ctwgr%5E6867d7d5aa337df3d79f1cd4769b3891411e5b71%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whiskeyriff.com%2F2025%2F01%2F08%2Fabcs-david-muir-mocked-for-pinning-his-fire-jacket-back-during-california-wildfire-report-vanity-never-takes-a-pause%2F Our hearts truly go out to anyone who is affected by these fires. Seeing your beloved home, the fire is beyond devastating, and as many residents are fleeing their homes, condos, and apartments with few belongings, California firefighters are going the extra mile beyond saving those in need. A social media clip is currently going viral showcasing firefighters removing keepsakes from homes that are in danger of catching fire. On Tuesday, a reporter for NBC affiliate KNBC captured a video of firefighters bringing belongings of a home on fire. It's heartwarming and heartbreaking in the same breath. "Crews with LAFD's No. 37 station out of Westwood battled the blaze in a residential area on Lachman Lane. There, firefighters were seen taking some belongings from a burning home. Among the items retrieved were at least a dozen photo albums, a grandfather clock, and several other keepsakes."  When asked what they were doing, one firefighter responded to the reporter filming them that he was: "Just trying to save some photos." 

The reporter who witnessed the act, Karma Dickerson, explained how heartwarming it was to witness the act.

“They did try to make an effort to save some of the items that were inside the home. I was watching them carry out family's keepsakes. It was pretty extraordinary for them to make that a priority, understanding that the house would likely be lost.”

These firefighters are heroic for entering these horrific fires, but as they work to save homes, families, and those in need, they still show compassion. Once lost, photos can never be recovered, and these firefighters are doing their best to ensure that those affected have some memories to look back on. This footage is beyond moving. Kudos to this group of first responders for going the extra mile. While you're here, check out some of the comments left on the video. "How unbelievably kind and humane." "Praying all those firefighters get home to their families as well. Heroes." "They did not have to do that, but they did." "Thank you to our BRAVE firefighters!" "There are things money can never buy again." "As a kid/family who’s lost everything in a house fire… thank you. Those keepsakes mean THE MOST." "I'm a photographer, and this makes me cry. When I ask people what's the first thing they'd grab if their house were in trouble, they always say photos." "Firefighters are the best representatives for Los Angeles." "Thank you for your service, true heroes!" "Talk about serving your community. Way to go, guys, hats off." "Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time." "God bless our firefighters who always go above and beyond in the call of duty." God bless the brave first responders risking their lives to fight fires, rescue people, and evacuate residents.