Calgarian living in L.A. recounts fleeing from Sunset fire just ahead of evacuation order

A Calgarian now living in Los Angeles says he didn't hesitate for a second to leave his home Wednesday night once he saw flames burning through the Hollywood Hills. (Courtesy: Kent Speakman)

A Calgarian now living in Los Angeles says he didn't hesitate for a second to leave his home Wednesday night once he saw flames burning through the Hollywood Hills.

Kent Speakman could see the flames from his balcony.

He says he was taken aback by how quickly the fires have devastated communities.

And when the Sunset fire broke out Wednesday night and became visible, he knew it was time to go.

He says he didn't even wait for the mandatory evacuation alert—which was eventually sent out—to pack up and leave.

He says he also called his neighbours, advising that they do the same.

He shared on his Instagram feed that the fire was about 0.1 miles from his home, or about 160 metres.

He says it looked like a scene out of a movie—cars everywhere and a sense of panic.

Fortunately, he's been welcomed into his friends' home, away from the fires, and although the Sunset fire evacuation order was lifted Thursday, he says he'll stay put until the danger subsides.

One thing that has stood out to Speakman during these difficult days is how people are coming together. 

"The pandemic showed us what's possible for how things can get really horrible, and so when things do go bad now, people (help)," he said.

"I've actually never been through this sort of disaster before, but I've (also) never seen this outpouring of support, in that positive, kind sense of everyone trying to help everyone out."