() At least a dozen California firefighters have lost their homes in Los Angeles County, in some cases while they were trying to save the homes of others, according to the California Fire Foundation.

For the newly homeless firefighters, it is awkward and unnatural to be the ones needing help instead of the ones providing it.

One of the affected firefighters is Marine veteran and Los Angeles County Fire Department inspector John Stuhlman.

Though his home is gone, Stuhlman has been sifting through the debris to find what he can salvage.

“The bed was here, I know my dresser was over here, here’s dad’s dog tags,” he said, taking through what was once his home. “Dad’s pocket knife, some of his medals and his shooting badge, rifle expert. I think this was Grandma Stuhlman’s rosary, but it didn’t make it.”

There’s nothing left when it comes to the structure of the Altadena dream home Stuhlman shared with his wife and two dogs.

Looters also broke into his safe and a gun case before he was able to return to the ruins.

Stuhlman said his wife, Monica, is so traumatized by the Eaton fire, they may not rebuild.

It’s already clear that Altadena’s recovery will take years. Entire neighborhoods, along with most of the town, have been destroyed.

As flames closed in on his home, Stuhlman rushed home to evacuate his wife and dogs.

He also alerted neighbors to get out, staying behind in a futile fight with three garden hoses, suffering smoke inhalation and facial burns.

Now, he’s suffering from constant reflection and regret.

“I keep waking up at 3 a.m. and think, son of a gun, all my real diplomas are on the wall, digital copies aren’t the same,” he said. “And dad’s flag from his funeral that the Marines gave me, I can replace the case but not the flag that was presented to me. That’s the stuff that hurts.”

Like thousands of others, Stuhlman is dealing with insurance issues, FEMA, housing and more.

Firefighters can lean on the LA Firemen’s Relief Association for assistance. Donations to firefighters can also be made online.

In the meantime, the fire threat isn’t over, meaning firefighters still have to show up to work while dealing with disasters of their own.