The everyday heroes emerging as wildfires tear across the Los Angeles area

As the Los Angeles County wildfires rage, stories of heroism are beginning to emerge.

Thousands of local firefighters and first responders are trying to contain the flames and evacuate residents, with some pulling 48-hour shifts – even as their own homes ignite.

Strangers also are jumping in to help those in need.

Acrid smoke shrouded the sky as Gail, an Altadena resident, watched flames from the raging Eaton Fire swallow her next-door neighbor’s house. Each ember carried by powerful gusts could have been the spark that ignited the home where she has lived for the past decade.

All she could do was watch.

Although she made several calls to 911, “obviously they’re very busy,” Gail told CNN.

As flames spread to Gail’s property, burning down her garage, her community came to help.

“I don’t know who all these guys are who are helping to save my house right now, but I’m very grateful,” she said.

Volunteers grabbed water hoses and tried desperately to keep the flames at bay by dousing Gail’s roof and yard. But as the wind shifted, a sobering reality set in.

“I’m happy that it’s standing right now, but I don’t have a lot of hope,” she admitted.