Dio’Vani Vinston was working on his Chevy Silverado last week in his Omaha, Nebraska, driveway when suddenly, a fire started in the gas tank. His girlfriend, Emily Lacey, tried to warn him to get away from the truck. Vinston managed to put it out, but an unfortunate coincidence led to the worst-case scenario becoming reality.

“The fire started in the gas tank of his truck, and as soon as he went to put it out, the water mixed with the gas, and it engulfed him in flames,” she told KETV. He cried for help, catching Lacey and his mother’s attention.

The two women did their best, but they quickly realized a gasoline fire was well beyond their capabilities.

“Me and his mom automatically ran outside and turned on the hose. But we saw that the fire was so big, I called 911 right away,” she recalled.

While on fire, Vinston was concerned for the safety of his neighbor, an elderly woman who was sleeping at the time. If it weren’t for Vinston, she might have perished in her home if it caught fire.

His neighbor was incredibly grateful

She answered the door, seeing Vinston on fire, and was grateful for his selflessness.

“He’s my hero. He was more concerned about getting me out of the house. And I appreciate that,” said his neighbor.

Now, Vinston is in the hospital recovering from third-degree burns to his arm and lower body. He had to be airlifted to a hospital across town and had to endure three surgeries. His family anticipates that he’ll be staying in the hospital’s burn unit for up to two months, according to the GoFundMe.

“He’s staying positive, which is the main thing. He’s had three surgeries already, and then there will be more to come,” said Lacey.

She explained that he keeps himself busy by thinking of future projects to help provide for his family. However, a major hurdle is medical bills, which have already added up to $30,000.