Wildfires have devastated the town of Paradise, California, destroying thousands of homes. While the fires themselves are horrifying, they have brought out the best in some people, as many are risking their lives to save the animals affected by them.

Firefighter Chris Harvey and Sacramento Fire Chief Gary Loesch are two heroes who have been putting their lives on the line to save others. They were recently spotted performing an incredible act of kindness for two donkeys fleeing the fire.

One day after the fire went through Paradise, Harvey and Loesch drove in to investigate a car accident that was caused by a falling tree. The air was so smoky that it was difficult for the two firefighters to see anything.

“Sacramento Fire Chief Gary Loesch responded up to the #CampFire personally to witness the devastation firsthand and check on his firefighters that are deployed there. One can’t help but swell with emotion when faced with such loss. But we give thanks to all that come together to help in this time of tragedy,” the Sacramento Fire Department wrote.

The firefighters were driving when they spotted two strange creatures on the road. As they got closer, they realized that they were donkeys.

We pulled over to let them pass, and saw that they looked very tired, worn out and thirsty,” Harvey recalled. “I tried to give them some water in my hand from a water bottle, but it kept spilling out.”

Though the donkeys had managed to escape the fire, they were clearly hungry, dehydrated, and lost. The firefighters realized that the donkeys would not survive if they didn’t help them, so Harvey poured some water onto his hands and allowed them to lap it up.

“I met some new friends in Paradise, California yesterday. A bright spot in an otherwise terrible day,” he recounted on Facebook.

Harvey then gave them apples, which they quickly devoured.

“They ate the apples quickly and seemed grateful for the snack,” Harvey said. “We called base camp and had them dispatch animal control officers to get the donkeys.”

The firefighters stayed with the donkeys until Animal Control arrived on the scene. Thankfully, the donkeys are now safe and sound! We applaud these firefighters for taking the time to help these donkeys who needed it!