Doorbell cam camaraderie as firefighters battle flames

Doorbell cameras have become crucial tools for many as evacuation orders drive them from their homes.

The technology offers little windows of hope and fear as evacuees keep a watchful eye for flames – and in some cases firefighters.

Dramatic video has circulated online captured by doorbell cams, showing the efforts of fire teams battling back walls of flames as they approach homes.

As a result, some frontline crews have received immediate thanks for their work.

“They said it was unbelievable to … be in communication with the homeowner that night,” Kelowna Fire Chief Travis Whiting said. “To be fighting the fire, to be in the throat, and have that in front of you, and to have someone say thank you - it caught them off guard, but I tell you, it was super appreciated.”

The video above was captured on Aug. 18 at around 11:45 p.m. by Jason Venning’s security camera on his home along Upper Canyon Drive.

Venning called the efforts “heroic”, and that he and his neighbours were thankful for the work undertaken to protect their property.