Two farmworkers who rushed to rescue school children moments before their bus burst into flames were honored Tuesday by the Madera County Board of Supervisors.

Carlos Perea Romero and Angel Zarco received proclamations for their bravery during a ceremony at the county government center. The men were working near Avenue 8 and Road 23 1/2 in La Vina last month when they saw smoke pouring from the rear of a school bus carrying roughly 20 students.

“We came running over here, knocked on the door,” Zarco said in a video produced by the county. “That’s when we told (the driver), it’s better just to get the kids off and put them in a safe spot.”

Romero, speaking in Spanish, recalled the moment he turned and saw flames: “One more moment that would have lasted, I don’t know what would’ve happened. But it was something from God… I was moved to be at exactly that time, here.”

All students were evacuated safely before the rear of the bus was engulfed in fire. The two men attempted to douse the flames with a fire extinguisher, but it was too small.

“I’m just happy to help out the community,” said Zarco. “It’s where I grew up.”

Romero added, “It is a source of pride for me and my colleague to be recognized… I have my whole life here in Madera County.”

An investigation into the fire’s cause is ongoing.