BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Authorities in California released body camera video that shows the moments three deputies and an officer narrowly escaped flames after they were briefly trapped.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office(KCFD) on Friday said three deputies assigned to the Kern River Valley Substation, along with an officer for U.S. Forest Service, ran into trouble as they were conducting evacuations for the Borel Fire in Havilah.
***WARNING: The following footage contains graphic content. Viewer discretion is advised.***
During the evacuations, the sheriff's office said the deputies and the officer noticed the fire had spread to an area blocking the road. They tried to make their way out, but all alternative routes were blocked by fire.
Video shows the conversations between them as they were trying to get out. One deputy said, "Fourteen, we are stuck. We can't get out."
"Assistance was requested from fire crews while they drove to a clearing to avoid the rapidly spreading flames," the sheriff's office said. "Aerial Fire support could not safely reach them due to excessive smoke cover."The sheriff's office said a second request was made for help, with the department's Air Support Unit responding for a rescue flight.
"Hey, we appear to be surrounded by fire," a deputy said on the radio call, with authorities noting the officer had two flame-resistant jackets, which he gave to the deputies.Deputies were also seen on video getting flare from the vehicle before they raced to the vehicles as the flames got closer.
They were aware of KCFD were heading their way. KCFD was able to reach a nearby road.
In a radio call, it said "The engines are stuck a quarter mile up Carper due to the fire."
The engine was visible by the stranded deputies and officer.
The sheriff's office said the deputies and officer drove to meet the fire crews nearby.
A deputy was heard saying, "We're going home. Come on. We're going to get out of here. We gotta get out of here."
After meeting with the fire crew, the video shows deputies giving a member of the fire crew a hug.
They were able to safely escaped the fiery roadblocks after nearly 40 minutes and multiple close calls.
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