Former Vancouver man shares experience of living near L.A. fires

A former Vancouverite with a home just outside of L.A. says it’s a terrifying place to be currently as wildfires fueled by heavy winds ravage the county.

Firefighters in California have been battling this week to control three major blazes, and others, that have killed five people, put 130,000 people under evacuation orders, and ravaged communities from the Pacific Coast to inland Pasadena.

Voice actor David Kaye says his home in Camarillo is still standing, but he’s worried.

“It’s a creepy feeling, because at any moment it just seems that something can spark up. But hopefully, the rains will happen sometime soon,” said Kaye.

He says the fires are far too close for comfort, already destroying some local landmarks and a friend’s home.

The situation is a familiar one for Kaye, who almost lost a home in the wildfires that hit Kelowna in recent memory and watched fires sweep over Ventura County from his backstep just months ago. He compared the similar feeling brought on by “eerie” winds.

“Living down here and as a Canadian … I’ve met some of the crews. And these men and women are just — they’re heroes,” he said.

“These people are on the front lines, and putting their lives in danger for all of us. And I can’t imagine what they’re going through right now. It’s not pleasant, but they’re doing their best to keep us all safe.”

Kaye says he and his family are safely out of the home, but he’s keeping an eye on his place via security cameras he can watch online and with the help of his neighbours.

“Having great neighbours is a real big deal. A city the size of Los Angeles, you come to realize how important your neighbours are. … As big as the city is, it is a community.”

—With files from The Associated Press