MONTECITO, Calif. (KABC) -- New video released Thursday shows just how scary things got for a pair of California Highway Patrol officers on the first morning of the Montecito mudslides.
The frightening dashcam video shows officers responding to a fire when they unknowingly drove directly into the path of the mudflow.
The fast-moving tide of muck and debris lifted the vehicle off the ground, which caused it to float along.
After about 15 seconds, the vehicle regained traction, and both officers managed to escape unharmed.
The mess was all due to a major rainstorm that ravaged the Thomas Fire burn area of Santa Barbara County on Jan. 9. When the powerful storm hit, quick rushes of rain caused the massive mudslides that brought with it debris and boulders.
The devastating mudslides led to the deaths of at least 21 people. Two others remain missing.
VIDEO: Aerial footage of Montecito shows before-and-after view of devastated homes
The Associated Press contributed to this report.