Authorities were searching for a man accused of setting his wife on fire at a home in Ventura County early Monday.
The Ventura County Fire Department received a medical emergency call at 3:58 a.m. from a home in the 11800 block of Broadway in the unincorporated area of Moorpark, a fire spokesman said.
Bystanders put out the fire, which had spread to a structure, by the time fire trucks arrived at the location, the fire official said.
The 29-year-old woman said in a 911 call that her husband set her on fire, Ventura County sheriff's deputies said.
“Very startling when you hear information about someone trying to set someone else on fire,” said sheriff’s Capt. Don Aguilar. “The victim had enough character to get up and make a call and ask for help.”
The woman was transferred to a specialized burn center for her injuries. She was in serious condition.
Deputies were searching for Juan Manuel Hernandez, 31, in connection with the attack. The 5-foot-7-inch, 200-pound man is believed to be driving a white 2005 Ford F-250 with California license plate 86644S1. The pickup truck has a tool box and large tires.
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Investigators said Hernandez has access to firearms.
Anyyone who sees him or the truck is asked to call 911, deputies said. Anyone with information can call a detective at 805-384-4744.
NBC4's Kathy Vara contributed to this report.
