Heartbreaking bodycam footage captured during a wildfire in Washington state shows a deputy sheriff yelling, “I don’t want the king to die in this” as he flees the area.
The video, posted by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, shows Deputy Brittan Morgan driving through a forestry inferno, warning residents to get away.
“Unless you want to die!” Deputy Morgan is heard warning one person about the fire. The fire broke out on August 18 and killed one person on September 5.
According to officials, the law enforcement officer did not realize his camera was still on when he drove through the flames.
“Obviously he’s not sure how it would turn out, but his determination to escape the flames is clear,” the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office wrote on Facebook.
The video – labeled “Driving through Hell on Earth” by the department – has been viewed 22,000 times online and has received dozens of reactions from shocked viewers.
Heartbreaking bodycam footage captured during a wildfire in Washington state shows a cop screaming, “I don’t want the king to die in this” as he flees the area
The video, posted by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, shows Deputy Brittan Morgan (right) driving through a forestry inferno, warning residents to get away
The deputy’s bodycam continued to run as he began evacuating residents from the Oregon Road Fire that devastated the area.
The eight-minute video, which has been shortened by the department for time and language reasons, shows Deputy Morgan talking to a man who was trying to save his horse.
The unknown person refuses to leave the premises and Morgan confirms that at least the man has a lift to get out before he leaves the scene himself.
The deputy starts jogging, back to his vehicle, jumps in and leaves.
At one point you can see Morgan chasing another car and urging the other vehicle to speed up as they drive straight through the flames.
Bright orange hues surround the deputy as trees and forestry are on fire.
Smoke completely blocks Deputy Morgan’s windshield as he drives and the fire appears to be only a few feet from the driver’s door.
Minutes later, the officer encounters a man attempting to drive in the direction he came from, prompting a strong response.
“It’s coming right at us, man, I was just there,” he says.
“Unless you want to die, hurry up and go,” Morgan yells at the truck driver.
At one point you can see Morgan chasing another car and urging the other vehicle to speed up as they drive straight through the flames.
Bright orange hues surround the deputy as trees and forestry are on fire
The sun is almost completely blocked by smoke caused by the fire
The video then skips forward several minutes and shows Deputy Morgan encountering the man again from the beginning of the video.
The man had got into his car and fled from the original scene.
“Oh thank you, mate, I was so worried about you,” Morgan says.
The unknown man appears to be crying as the law enforcement officer approaches him
“I know you’re probably sad about your horse right now, I’m glad you’re alive,” Morgan continues.
The video struck a chord with dozens of Facebook users who were shocked by the video and shared their gratitude for the law enforcement officer.
“HEROES ALL,” one wrote.
“That’s so intense. You can tell that cop has so much heart. I’m so glad he was safe and the other people got out,” said another.
“I lost my home in the Oregon Rd fire. It sounded like a jet engine roaring in your ears!!’ wrote Facebook user LeAnna Wallace-Hunt.
“Thank you to all the officers who are assisting in the evacuation of my family, neighbors and friends. It was one of the most terrifying days of my life,” Wallace-Hunt continued.
“That’s so intense. You can tell that cop has so much heart. I’m so glad he was safe and the other people got out,” one wrote about Deputy Morgan
The Oregon Road Fire destroyed 126 homes and 258 outbuildings
In total, the fire destroyed some 11,000 acres of land near Elk, Washington
It has since been confirmed that the devastating fire was caused by humans.
In total, the fire destroyed some 11,000 acres of land near Elk, Washington.
On September 5, 126 houses and 258 outbuildings were set on fire.
The fire is now 90 percent under control 213 personnel are still working to bring the fire under control.