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Incredible body camera video released by the Vacaville Police Department shows the tense moments several officers and volunteers jumped into action to evacuate animals from the Solano County SPCA as the Nelson Fire loomed.
Vacaville police officers Carly Stone and Kirsten Jennings were seen placing kittens in crates and taking dogs straight to their patrol cars.
"When we were watching the smoke plume get bigger and bigger, and watching those flames come down towards us, there was a part of me wondering if that was going to be standing in the next hour," Stone said.
She added that it was a chaotic moment, with many uncertainties.
"I'm a police officer, not a firefighter. Fire is kind of scary. Officer Jennings and I just realized it's do or die. Let's do what we can. [We had a ] small window to accomplish [a] big task. So thankfully, with the help we got, we were able to make progress in just a couple minutes," Stone said.
As the fire got closer, the two officers didn't stop. Soon after they started rescuing animals, volunteers joined in, as well.
"I think a lot of us...think we just did what a lot of people would do for their own pets," Stone said.
Everyone involved made sure the animals were moved somewhere safe, even if that meant housing dogs and cats in a different kind of shelter.
"I didn't have anywhere to put those animals," Stone said. "They seemed pretty content in the back of my car, so they came with me to work for the next couple hours. So, me and those three dogs bonded at work together."
Those three dogs joined Officer Stone as she helped evacuate people living in the area.
"It hits you right in the heartstrings" Bridget Bloesch, kennel staff supervisor, said.
Even though they hope every animal finds a forever home, Solano County SPCA staff consider the animals their family.
"The PD racing in here, risking their lives to save our animals, when we didn't have a lot of staff here because it was after hours, and so we are just so grateful and thankful," Bloesch said.
Every animal is either up for adoption or ready to be fostered. To learn more about how you can get involved or donate, click here.
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