SONOMA COUNTY, Calif. (NewsNation Now) — Residents in an area north of San Francisco took it upon themselves to fight back against wildfires threatening their homes.

For more than a week the group used bulldozers to cut fire lines, sometimes getting right next to the flames, NewsNation affiliate KRON-TV reported.

One rancher, who also runs an excavator company, said they made the effort to save as much of the community as they could.

“The communities counting on you just put it on the effort that you need to put in and try to keep enough of a clear mind with short amount of sleep to make good decisions,” said Mark Mann.

Other neighbors showed their appreciation for the crews by posting “thank you” signs along the streets.