(KTLA) - A California family that lost its home in the Norte Fire was reunited with precious family heirlooms after firefighters recovered a safe from the charred rubble where the family's home once stood.

Firefighters with the Orange County Fire Authority recovered the safe on Oct. 17 while helping a woman who lives in the San Juan Capistrano area search through the debris left behind by the blaze.

"In a moment of indescribable devastation for a member of our community, our firefighters' role shifted from suppression to compassion - providing both a shoulder to lean on and a helping hand," the Orange County Fire Authority said.