Sometimes I get tired of my job — I’m sure many people feel the same when they wake up not wanting to face another workday. But unlike many jobs, mine never puts me in physical danger. Firefighting is a very different story.

Firefighters risk their lives every time they go on duty, and they rarely get enough credit for their courage. When I was younger, I dreamed of being a firefighter — if my NBA career didn’t work out — but now I’m glad others take on that dangerous role instead of me.

Firefighters don’t only rescue people from burning buildings or car crashes — they also battle wildfires, which can be one of the most destructive natural disasters. Wildfires don’t just burn themselves out; they spread quickly and destroy everything in their path.

A few years ago, a massive wildfire in Portugal required over 1,150 firefighters to control. The scene was terrifying, but it also produced a striking photo shared by a man named Pedro Brás. The picture shows exhausted firefighters sleeping on the ground after working nonstop for 24 hours, taking just 25 minutes of rest by a smoky riverbank.

This photo reminds us of the extreme conditions firefighters face and the sacrifices they make to protect others. They deserve much more respect and appreciation for their selfless work.