A 12-year-old Polk County girl was severely burned after her family says a bonfire got out of control.
Heather Tyer was burned on more than 70 percent of her body. Her family said she was burned after the flames from the bon fire reached a gas can that was next to her.
“They had a fire right here Sunday night and Heather was approximately right in here and the fire got out of hand and it caught her on fire,” Heather’s uncle Gary Tyer said.
Her uncle said the fire had been burning for hours and it wasn’t until later in the evening that the gas can caught fire. He said her dad rushed out of the house to try and put the flames out.
“Her dad heard the boys hollering because they were out here playing,” he said. “He rushed outside and seen what happened and heard the boys telling Heather to roll and so he run over and started pulling her clothes off and grabbed the water hose and started the procedure of putting it out.”
Fearing for her life her uncle said Heather surprisingly remained calm.
“She didn’t never cry. She asked him was she gonna live,” said Gary.
The bubbly 12 year old is being treated at Shriners Children Hospital in Ohio for second and third degree burns.
The family says they’re just asking for prayers.
The community has several fundraising events planned. There’s also a go fund me account www.gofundme.com/h24cvw.