FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A 40-year-old woman is fighting for her life after she was set on fire at a gas station in Jamaica, and a South Florida-based air ambulance company is now on standby to bring her to the United States for specialized treatment her home country cannot provide.

Authorities say Dacia Forrester suffered third-degree burns to about 70% of her body during the attack, which happened 10 days ago at a gas station in Montego Bay.

Graphic cell phone video captured the aftermath, showing Forrester engulfed in flames as she ran from the scene. Bystanders rushed to help, dousing her with water before getting her to a hospital.

Forrester remains hospitalized in Montego Bay in critical condition.

“She strike the lighter and show it on my sister and catch her on fire,” her sister, Carol Blackwood, said.

According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force, a 30-year-old gas station attendant, Collate Swaby, has been charged with aggravated assault. Police said the attack followed a confrontation.

Jamaica does not have a dedicated burn unit, and doctors say Forrester needs highly specialized care.

Stephen Josephs of the Crisis Support Charity and Burn Foundation of Jamaica said the situation is urgent.

“It’s a race against time,” Josephs said.

Josephs said the next step is getting an air ambulance to transport Forrester to a burn center in Georgia. Trinity Air Ambulance International, based in Fort Lauderdale, is prepared to handle the transfer, but the cost is steep -- about $57,000.

“So the next process is helping to get her on her air ambulance so she can get specialized care,” Josephs said.

So far, just over $9,000 has been raised. Josephs is asking the public to help close the gap.

“Anybody out there can help with this situation. It will be greatly appreciated. It will be helping to save lives,” he said. “And so I’m begging and pleading, whatever you can do, please help this young lady.”

Forrester’s family is holding on to hope that she can survive and get the treatment she needs in the U.S., while Josephs continues fundraising efforts -- and pushes for the creation of a burn unit in Jamaica so future patients won’t have to leave the country for care.

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