California firefighters rush into flames to save American flag from wildfire

As the flames hurled closer, torching everything in sight over the weekend, three Oroville, California, firefighters rushed into the blaze to save Old Glory.

The harrowing moment, which took place Saturday, was captured by photographer Josh Edelson. In the image, one firefighter, hoisted up by two crew mates, can be seen reaching up to remove the American flag from the side of a home.

The inspiring rescue of the stars and stripes comes amid a horrible rash of wildfires in California. This latest wildfire, dubbed the “Wall Fire,” has been blazing since Friday. So far, the fire has burned through 5,600 acres and destroyed 17 structures, according to Cal Fire. Another 5,400 structures are still facing a threat from the flames.

The fire is now 35 percent contained, but California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) declared a state of emergency on Sunday for Butte County, in the northern part of the state.

Roughly 4,000 people have been evacuated because of the Wall Fire and 1,600 firefighters have been working to contain the flames.

According to Cal Fire, there are roughly 5,000 firefighters currently battling 14 different fires across the Golden State. In addition, 13 million people are facing heat warnings and advisories, CNN reported, with temperatures ranging from the upper 90s to the 110s Fahrenheit.