A Jeanerette volunteer firefighter is accused of becoming overeager in his firefighting duties, allegedly setting a residential fire so he could later help put the fire out.
Kentrelle Beasley Jr., 18, was booked into the Iberia Parish Jail on a count of simple arson following a residential fire in the 100 block of Nolan Duchane Drive on Saturday. Authorities said the fire was reported by Beasley in person at the fire station, and he later arrived at the scene in gear to assist with fire suppression efforts, a statement from the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Beasley has been a volunteer firefighter with the Jeanerette Fire Department for three months.
Fire marshal’s deputies were called to assist because of the suspicious circumstances and determined the fire originated on the home’s front porch and was purposefully set. Jeanerette Fire Chief Sherry Landry reportedly questioned Beasley at the scene, and he confessed to setting the fire, the release said.
Fire marshal’s investigators later questioned Beasley, and he “again confessed to setting the home on fire and explained he did so in order to be able to help put out a fire,” the statement said.
Beasley was relieved of his fire department position upon arrest.
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