Finley resident dies inches from escaping a burning manufactured home

A Finley resident died in a fire early Wednesday, collapsing within a foot of being able to escape the burning home.

A woman working in the yard noticed smoke coming from the manufactured home about 5:40 a.m., said Jenna Roberts, information officer for Benton County Fire District 1.

The woman, who may have been the resident’s caregiver, couldn’t get inside to help because of the intense smoke and heat, said fire officials.

Public records show a 65-year-old woman lives at the address near the corner of East Finley Road and East 403 PR Southeast.

Firefighters also were not able to rescue the resident, who was found just a foot away from an outside door, said Coroner Bill Leach.

Leach said his staff has been unable to confirm if the person who died was the person who lived there.

An autopsy is scheduled for Friday.

Roberts said officials are still investigating how the fire started.

It’s unknown if there was working smoke alarms in the home.

This story was originally published July 17, 2024 at 12:48 PM with the headline "Finley resident dies inches from escaping a burning manufactured home."