Newly released bodycam footage revealed a Butte County Sheriff deputy’s harrowing escape from a raging wildfire while attempting to save trapped residents in Paradise, California.
“Deputy Aaron Parmley was driving on Pentz Road in Paradise attempting to locate four nurses from Feather River Hospital who needed help evacuating,” the BCSO wrote in the intro of thevideo. “Flames were on both sides of the roadway and he couldn’t see more than ten yards in front of him.”
As he searched for the nurses, Parmley’s vehicle broke down, forcing him to look for the survivors on foot. According to the sheriff’s office, Parmley, feeling he was nearing certain death with the flames closing in, then turned on his body camera.
Butte County Sheriff
“His car became disabled, forcing him to get out and walk on foot,” the office said. “He activated his body-worn camera in hopes of capturing what he thought would be the last moments of his life.”
The video shows Parmley searching for the nurses through heavy smoke as embers rain down all around him. With his visibility diminished, Parmley moved forward until he located the nurses and helped them to safety with the help of a man driving a bulldozer.
“I LOVE. YOU OFFICER… you totally reminded me of why I live in Paradise and wanna help rebuild,” wrote Facebook user Denise Ryan. “Thank you so much for keeping us safe.”
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
“We have an amazing Sheriff Department in Butte County,” wrote Angie Mastelotto. “Thank you for all you do!”
As of last Sunday, the Camp Fire was 100 percent contained more than two weeks after first sparking on November 8. The fire has left 88 dead and 249 people injured, Cal Firereports. The fire decimated at least 19,000 buildings in Paradise and encompassing areas.
“We just can’t catch a break with it right now in the county,” Cal Fire battalion chief Patrick Purvistold CBSon Thursday. “I mean, we just go from fire season straight into floods, landslides.”
To help victims of the California wildfires, visit theLos Angeles Fire Department Foundation, theCalifornia Fire Foundationand theAmerican Red Cross, for more information.
source: people.com
