MOSES LAKE — A woman was burned in Moses Lake on Saturday after she was reportedly smoking in a vehicle as a man pumped gasoline into a garbage can that was inside their car.

About 8:15 a.m. emergency responders responded to a report of a vehicle fire at Cascade Grocery, located in the 8000 block of Valley Road Northeast. Deputies discovered a 1988 Ford Tempo was parked at the gas pumps and the unidentified male driver of the car attempted to pump gas into a garbage can, which was in the back seat of the car.

“The female passenger, who was smoking a cigarette, apparently caused the fumes to ignite, engulfing the car. The woman got out of the car but sustained severe burns. A bystander drove her to Samaritan Healthcare in Moses Lake for treatment. Her current condition in unknown. The male driver ran away on foot,” stated Grant County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Kyle Foreman.

The fire was extinguished and deputies reportedly located a large amount of marijuana in the truck of the car, which was seized as evidence.

If you have any information about the incident contact the Grant County Sheriff’s Office at 509-762-1160 or email crimetips@grantcountywa.gov. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.