At least 40 people have died as a result of major wildfires in California, and footage of one daring escape shows how close the disaster has come to claiming even more lives.

As the New York Post reported, video of the two Loma Rica roommates reveals their frantic reaction to seeing a nearby blaze creep dangerously close to their home.

The video contains some strong language and might be offensive to some viewers.

One of the men in the video, Mike Vien, said the pair did not realize the Cascade Fire was an immediate threat to them until it was almost too late.

When the gravity of the situation became apparent, however, Vien expressed the need to move quickly.

The two were able to bring their dogs and make it to a vehicle, according to KOVR.

Shortly after the video begins, the men arrived at a closed gate and Vien got back out of the car in an attempt to clear the way. After a brief attempt, the men opted to drive through the obstruction instead.

They began driving again as Vien’s roommate, the driver, remarked that heavy smoke had made it difficult to see where he was going. Both expressed concern that the fire had burned their eyes and made it difficult to breathe.

“We’ve still got oxygen, so we’re not dead yet,” one of the men said.

Vien and his roommate lost their home and a vehicle in the fire, but he told KOVR they were grateful to be alive.

“I’m actually surprised we got through it and happy we got through it honestly,” he said.

A GoFundMe account was set up to collect donations for the roommates as they replace their lost possessions.

[Featured image: GoFundMe]