Actor and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger made a surprise visit to firefighters battling the ongoing Camp Fire in the northern part of the Golden State on Wednesday.
During his tour of the devastation, which included a destroyed retirement home in Paradise, California, the “Terminator” star shared a message: “I’ve seen the spirit of America.”
Schwarzenegger, recognizing the sheer devastation in a fire that has claimed at least 81 lives and destroyed more than 13,500 homes, according to the latest figures, he said he witnessed people coming together and helping each other in their time of need. “I saw firefighters working 24 hours shifts & I saw volunteers serving food and helping in every way,” he wrote in a tweet accompanied with a video message. “This Thanksgiving, I thank them for showing what makes us great.”
Stockton, California firefighters, Local 456, thanked the actor and former politician for his visit, tweeting: “Thanks to Arnold @Schwarzenegger for stopping by to serve breakfast for the firefighters at the #CampFire; and pick up the morale of some exhausted first responders.”
The actor also shared a list of charities he recommended to people who want to help in the recovery effort. You can see them in his Twitter thread here.
I’m taking over your kitchen @chefjoseandres. Thank you for all you’re doing for the victims of our fires and the first responders. #ChefsforCalifornia pic.twitter.com/HRngwBY87N
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) November 21, 2018