. >> chris christianson and menso worked at different departments but lived just blocks apart.their wives not to worry, their homes would be safe. both returning to this. >> i didn't know what gone meant until i saw it. like nothing. left. >> reporter: in glen ellen volunteer firefighter christian johnson returned home to find fellow first responders at her doorstep. memories lost in the ash. >> we carried what we could in our cars. >> reporter: johnson got her three-year-old to safety and as her property burned went back to evacuate neighbors and fight fires because saving lives and homes, even when you can't save your own is what they do. >> what my colleagues did that night was heroic. they got people out of their homes. >> reporter: to these firefighters it's a calling bigger than themselves. >> our thanks to lester holt for that report. >> really the bigger calling too. my brother is a firefighter. he says it's not what you're gettingifi paid to do, it's wha you're willing to do and you can see the bravery. >>> just ahead we'll tell you what is new in theaters this weekend