Texas Man Suffers Severe Burns Rescuing Dog from House Fire Sparked by Gas Leak

A Texas man is recovering from life-threatening injuries after risking everything to save his dog from a fire that engulfed his home. Zain Cano, of San Antonio, suffered third-degree burns to nearly 40% of his body after running into his burning house to rescue his beloved pet, Clarence.

The fire broke out on May 22 while Cano was working on his motorcycle. In a Reddit post recounting the harrowing experience, he explained that he had accidentally left the fuel line unsecured. Gasoline leaked onto the carpet and ignited, rapidly spreading through the house.

“Luckily I was the only one home at the time,” Cano wrote. “But when I realized my dog was still inside, I ran back in to get him.”

Cano initially escaped the blaze with only minor injuries, but the situation took a devastating turn when he re-entered the home. By then, the house was fully engulfed in flames.

According to a GoFundMe page created by his girlfriend, Jenna Carter, Cano endured third-degree burns on nearly half his body during the rescue. He was hospitalized for a month and now requires intensive rehabilitation.

“Fortunately, they both made it out alive,” Carter wrote, “but not without Zain suffering unimaginable injuries. He now needs ongoing medical care, and our home was completely destroyed.”

Cano currently relies on a walker, is unable to use his hands, and is facing a long road to recovery. The couple is staying in a motel for the time being, but the costs are mounting. Carter says they’re in desperate need of stable, handicap-accessible housing for the duration of his recovery.

“We’re asking for help so we can afford to relocate for a few months,” she wrote. “Any contribution will go directly toward securing a safe place for Zain to heal.”

Cano expressed deep remorse over the accident, calling it “the worst experience of my life.”

“I feel horrible because my family is now homeless because of my mistake,” he wrote on Reddit. “I can’t work and probably won’t be able to for at least another month, maybe longer.”

Despite the pain and loss, he said saving Clarence was worth it. The couple’s GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly $4,000 of its $5,000 goal as of June 19.

For those wishing to help, donations are being accepted to support Zain’s medical needs and the couple’s relocation during this difficult chapter.