An American flag is rescued from a burning home in California by a Russian man: 'A symbol to me and my family'

An American flag was rescued from a burning home during the California wildfires by a Russian man who sought asylum in the U.S. three years ago, sparking global praise.

On January 7th, while driving through the wildfires in Altadena with a friend, Sultan Ramazanov witnessed a house being consumed by flames.

He expressed concern about the city he resides in because he had never witnessed a wildfire.

"Ramazanov, who had never seen anything like it, told Planet Chronicle Digital that he was scared when he saw the Palisades Fire move through the mountains."

He asked his friend to pull over near the inferno when he saw the symbolic red, white, and blue flag.

"Ramazanov said, "I tried to get the flag, but it was a bit difficult and took a few minutes.""

In the video, he is seen carefully unhooking the shredded banner from a flag pole in front of the home amid heavy, black smoke.

One red stripe dangled downward from the flag, which had a visibly charred side.

With the flag's white stars delicately folded and tucked in his arms, Ramazanov walks away from the burning home somberly.

Ramazanov, after being rescued, learned from his friend that he had recorded the heroic action on video and decided to share it on Instagram in an attempt to connect with the homeowners and return one of their few remaining possessions.

"The video I posted went viral after someone shared it and commented, 'Look at this, Jason Statham lookalike saved the American flag,'" he said. "It received 10 million views and helped me locate the family who owned the flag. I am grateful to those who shared the video."

By Wednesday evening, the post had garnered over 270,000 likes and approximately 29,000 shares on the platform.

A 74-year-old man was the owner of the home that Ramazanov received a few scam calls from.

Ramazanov was informed by him that he was deeply grateful and expressed his concern over the flag.

They plan to meet over the weekend to share their stories and learn from each other.

"I saved the flag because it belongs to our country, and I am grateful to the United States for all it has done for us. We almost have our documents here and have been granted asylum. The American flag now represents a symbol of gratitude and hope for my family and me."