‘I’m very grateful’: Stories of heroism emerge as Los Angeles infernos rage

Acrid smoke shrouded the sky in Altadena, California, as Gail watched flames from the raging Eaton Fire swallow her next-door neighbor’s house.

Acrid smoke shrouded the sky in Altadena, California, as Gail watched flames from the raging Eaton Fire swallow her next-door neighbor’s house. Each ember carried by powerful gusts of wind could be the spark that ignites the home she has lived in for the past decade – and all she can do is watch. Although she’s made several calls to 911, Gail tells CNN “obviously they’re very busy.” Several fires are raging around Los Angeles, devastating neighborhoods and straining firefighting resources. At least five people have died, and multiple others have sustained “significant injuries,” authorities have said. As flames spread to Gail’s property, burning down her garage, community members 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 says.