Carr Fire survivor captured family's harrowing escape on video
REDDING, Calif. (KGO) -- Judah Gowan has a harrowing story of survival.
As the Carr Fire was bearing down on his neighborhood, he had just minutes to escape.
RELATED: VIDEO: Drive through Carr Fire near Redding reveals apocalyptic scenes
His wife Krystal and their two little girls were in a separate car ahead of him.
And he captured his experience on video.
RELATED: MAPS: Interactive home damage, wildfires burning across California
"It looks like hell and it felt like hell," Gowan told ABC7 News. "It was so hot. And you could barely breathe when you were outside. It was just so intense. I hoped, because the electricity went out, so I was like, 'God, if that gate is closed and not opening, I'm going to have to ram that thing.'"
Gowan managed to drive to safety, as did Krystal with the girls.
Their four dogs and two cats are OK as well. You can actually hear the cats meowing in agitation in Gowan's video.
RELATED: VIDEO: How to prepare your pets in case of disaster
Sadly, though, Gowan's home was burned to the ground. Photos taken the day after show the destruction.
Fortunately, many friends have offered to help, and a GoFundMe page has been set up here for the family: Krystal & Judah Gowan's Fundraiser.
They're currently staying out of town. Like so many victims, they're not sure where they'll go next or whether they'll rebuild someday.
In response to the devastating wildfires in Shasta County, Tri Counties Bank has created a verified GoFundMe campaign to help those impacted by the fires. Click here if you'd like to help.
Get the latest on the Carr Fire here and the latest on wildfires across California here.
PHOTOS: Massive Carr Fire tears through Shasta County
