Man dies in fire after rescuing mother, going back for dogs, officials say

An overnight house fire in Searcy County left one man dead and another injured, according to the sheriff's office.

Sheriff Joey Pruitt said authorities responded about 12:11 a.m. to a fire at a mobile home along Arkansas 66 about 1 mile east of Leslie. The residence was a total loss as a result of the fire, he said.

The man, described as being in his mid-50s, was pronounced dead at the scene after he rescued his mother from the house and re-entered the home to save family dogs still inside, according to the sheriff's office.

Information regarding the condition of the dogs was not immediately available.

His stepfather was also able to make it out of the residence and was transported to Ozark Health Medical Center for injuries considered not life-threatening, Pruitt said.

A small pickup outside the mobile home was also declared a total loss after the fire, Pruitt said.

The displaced family members have received housing assistance from the American Red Cross at a nearby hotel, he said.

Identities were withheld Friday afternoon, pending notification to family members.

Read Saturday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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