NewsLocal News

Actions

Two Simi Valley families recovering after boat fire at Buena Vista Lake

Posted at 5:59 PM, Aug 26, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-26 20:59:22-04

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. --- — When Dustin Lee and Joey Nixon took their families to Buena Vista Lake last weekend, they were unaware of the dreadful reality that would follow.

On Saturday morning, Kern County emergency crews rushed to the lake for reports of a flash fire that ignited on a boat burning eight people.

The Lees and Nixons were all rushed to the hospital, Kern County Battalion Chief Steve Pendergrass said.

Dustin Lee, 35, and his 14 month-old son had to be airlifted to the hospital, while the rest of his family was transported by ambulances, according to Lee's brother Bryan Lee.

Now, both families are continuing to receive treatment for their burns -- some being cared for at Memorial Hospital in Bakersfield.

"The fortunate thing about a nightmare is that you can wake yourself up, there's not anything that allows you to be able to wake up from this sort of experience," Bryan Lee said.

Several victims may have to spend three to four weeks in the hospital, Lee added.

"My brother and his best friend, the Nixon family, they're laborers. They work with their hands every single day. The fear is ... how are they going to pay for rent and how are they going to be able to take care of their boys."

Amanda Nowell, a family friend, has started a GoFundMe page for both families, garnering thousands of dollars.