ALMA, Arkansas — A 73-year-old man is dead after a fire broke out in an apartment complex in Alma.
Alma Police Chief Jeff Pointer confirmed Paul Lynch died from smoke inhalation after trying to extinguish the flames himself before first responders arrived.
Neighbors told 5NEWS Lynch ran to other residents calling for help while the fire was well underway and collapsed shortly after outside the complex.
Around 3:00 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 26), Alma first responders found Lynch unconscious.
Neighbors say they were trying to help Lynch put out the fire when he fell to the ground.
The Alma Police Department says they are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Workers at the apartment complex say Lynch had moved into the complex just months ago.
He was taken to Baptist Health in Van Buren, where he was pronounced dead.
Lynch lived alone in the apartment, but neighbors told 5NEWS he does have family members in the area.