The video above includes one of the interviews Jacob Rumley did after the fire and before his arrest.
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The former Madison firefighter credited with alarming residents of an early morning apartment fire has been arrested and is suspected of starting the blaze.
Jacob Rumley was arrested on Tuesday night and was charged with one count of first degree arson, said Madison Police Chief Perry Webster.
Rumley is accused of starting a fire at Lassiter Square Apartments around 10 a.m. Tuesday at 308 Decatur St.
Chief Webster said it’s a shame a man claiming to have been a firefighter would put firefighters at risk on September 11, a day spent honoring first responders.
Sarah Newell Williamson, News-Record.com:
Rumley had said earlier that he went to the building to do a work order when the tenant smelled smoke. Rumley, who said he is a former volunteer firefighter, said he knocked on the door of every apartment on the second floor, telling people to get out.
Rumley went through the first floor, making certain that every person and every pet was out of the apartments, he said. If there was no answer at the door, he went inside.
“I have a master key,” Rumley said. “If I knocked on the door and no one comes, I’m going to open the door. I may get in trouble, but it’s better than the alternative.”
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