A Dallas man is recovering from severe burns he suffered after he was set on fire after a fight.

Larry Williams, 52, improved to serious condition Wednesday from critical condition after arriving Tuesday at the Parkland Hospital burn unit.

Dallas Fire-Rescue officials said Williams had first to third degree burns over 40 to 45 percent of his body after the incident in the 1900 block of Danube Drive in Oak Cliff.

A police report said the fight began because Williams had sold the suspect's car for drug money.

The report said the suspect then doused Williams with gasoline, chased him and then torched Williams with a lighter when Williams fell down while trying to run away.

"People get mad and they fight, but I've never heard anybody setting anybody on fire," neighbor Caine Johnson said.

Witnesses used a garden hose to put out the fire and medical help arrived quickly because a Dallas fire station is right down the street.

Public records show Williams has prior arrests for theft, burglary of a motor vehicle, resisting arrest and assault.

Although Williams was doing better, a Parkland Hospital spokesperson said he was not well enough Wednesday to speak with NBC 5.

"That's good to hear that he's doing fine, I hope he'll make it and change his world around, change his life around," said neighbor Warren Calhoun. "Life is too short for things like that there."

Dallas police and arson investigators were looking for the suspect Wednesday.