Arnold Schwarzenegger Visits Camp Fire Devastation: 'I've Seen the Spirit of America' (Video)

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.”

Also Read: Colbert Clears Up Trump's Confusion About California Town Devastated by the Camp Fire (Video)

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

See the Shocking Devastation of the SoCal Wildfires (Photos)

Firefighters monitor the Thomas Fire along the 101 freeway north of Ventura. Taken on Dec. 7, 2017.
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
Approximately 45,000 acres have burned in the fire, with over 430 homes and buildings destroyed. Thousands have been forced to evacuate.
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
A firefighter sprays water on the remains of a home destroyed by the Thomas Fire in a residential neighborhood on Dec. 5, 2017 in Ventura, CA.
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
Taken on Dec. 5, 2017, firefighters douse the remains of an apartment complex.
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
The remains of an apartment destroyed by the Thomas Fire.
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
A resident hoses down a burning structure in Sunland, CA during the Creek Fire on Dec. 5, 2017.
Photo by David McNew/Getty Images
Taken Dec. 5, 2017 in Sunland, CA.
Photo by David McNew/Getty Images
Strong Santa Ana winds are rapidly pushing multiple wildfires across Sunland and Ventura, expanding across tens of thousands of acres.
Photo by David McNew/Getty Images
Strong wind blows embers from the smoldering ruins of a house at the Creek Fire on Dec. 5, 2017 in Sunland.
Photo by David McNew/Getty Images
Taken Dec. 5, 2017 in Sunland, CA.
Photo by David McNew/Getty Images
Taken Dec. 5, 2017 in Sunland, CA.
Photo by David McNew/Getty Images
People walk while viewing the Creek Fire burn on a hillside in the Shadow Hills neighborhood on Dec. 5, 2017 in Los Angeles.
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
View of the Creek Fire from the Shadow Hills neighborhood.
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
Ranch hand Anthony Martin hoses down stalls where some of the 29 horses and numerous other animals had died in the Creek Fire at Rancho Padilla on Dec. 6, 2017 near Sylmar, CA.
Photo by David McNew/Getty Images
Ranch hands Angel Flores and Anthony Martin (R) hose down smoldering property near stables at Rancho Padilla on Dec. 6, 2017 near Sylmar, CA.
Photo by David McNew/Getty Images
A dead horse killed in the Creek Fire.
Photo by David McNew/Getty Images
Taken Dec. 6, 2017 near Sylmar, CA.
Photo by David McNew/Getty Images
Taken Dec. 6, 2017 in Ojai, CA.
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
Taken along the 101 freeway on Dec. 7, 2017 north of Ventura, CA.
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
Taken along the 101 freeway on Dec. 7, 2017, north of Ventura, CA.
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
Taken Dec. 6, 2017 in Ojai, CA.
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
A desolate stretch of freeway in Los Angeles.
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images