LAKE COUNTY (KRON) — KRON has obtained exclusive dash camera video of the devastating Valley Fire as seen from a Lake County sheriff’s deputy’s car.
The video was taken just as the fire started to gain strength and speed, and do incredible damage.
This clip shows how emergency crews rushed towards a crisis — a car on fire. Unsure of what they are about to see, the two deputies get out and run towards the burning car.
But the smoke, heat and fire kept them back. They can’t get close enough.
They wave their flashlights to see if anyone is trapped in the car. The smoke billows, and they run to safety.
It is too dangerous. All the trees around them are on fire. The sky is black.
They get back in the car and figure out what to do next. Throughout the dash cam video, you can hear the deputies talking about how worried they are for their family and friends, and their own homes.
And they are just in shock by all the devastation and destruction all around them.