After being woken up to the sound of an explosion, nearby resident, Kristina Brenning, called 911 at 6:05 a.m. according to dispatch records obtained by Metro News. This wasn't the first time an emergency intervention had taken place at this address. Police and fire records indicate multiple smaller fires and incidents of the resident being removed for his own safety.
According to Brenning, while on the phone with dispatch, she witnessed the fire travel down the hill to the trailer. She estimates the fire spread from the grass and various debris to the trailer in less than one minute.
"Unfortunately the neighborhood thought this would happen at some point as this was the seventh trailer fire that has happened on this property in the last few years," stated Brenning.
Vegan Harold Bryant, 65 of Morrilton was found deceased in the burnt out trailer apparently unable to escape from the blaze.
"Overcup Fire Department, Conway County Sheriff's Department, Morrilton Police Department, Sardis Fire Department, Morrilton Fire Department, Med-Tech EMS and the Coroner's Office responded including 18 fire fighters, six trucks along with numerous law enforcement and EMS personnel who were on scene for two hours," stated Overcup Assistant Fire Chief Kristi Curry.
An investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire is underway. An autopsy on Bryant's remains will be performed to determine his exact cause of death.
Funeral arrangements for Bryant who was a U.S. Army veteran are pending and the family is being served by Bob Neal & Sons Funeral Homes.
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