A Nashville firefighter, Jacob Welbaum, is facing charges of reckless endangerment after attempting to fight a fire while off-duty outside his jurisdiction, sparking a bizarre and potentially dangerous situation.
On December 18, around 6 p.m., Rutherford County Fire and Rescue had already responded to a house fire in Rutherford County when Welbaum, a Nashville firefighter, arrived to offer assistance, according to local reports. However, the situation took a concerning turn when Welbaum, who was off-duty and outside his jurisdiction, reportedly ignored requests from Rutherford County firefighters to step away from the scene.
According to an arrest affidavit cited by WKRN, Welbaum not only failed to comply but also unlawfully took protective gear and breathing equipment from a Rutherford County fire engine. He then entered the burning home and began giving orders to the on-duty firefighters, creating a chaotic and potentially hazardous situation.
Concerned about the safety implications of Welbaum’s actions, Rutherford County firefighters had to physically remove him from the scene. Subsequently, Welbaum was charged with five counts of reckless endangerment and one count of disorderly conduct. His bond was set at $10,500.
Rutherford County Fire Marshal Joshua Sanders stated in a released statement that the case is no longer under investigation as it awaits adjudication through the legal process.
The homeowners, Christina Williams and her husband, who were not at home when the fire started, described the incident as “mind-boggling.” Passersby noticed the smoke and contacted the homeowners, prompting them to call the fire department. Williams’ husband rushed to the scene only to find not only his home engulfed in flames but also Welbaum, a plainclothes firefighter, aggressively shouting at the on-duty firefighters.
“It’s just a mind-boggling situation,” Williams expressed. The homeowners are concerned about the potential impact of Welbaum’s interference on the firefighters’ response and whether it could have led to more damage. The fire reportedly caused thousands of dollars worth of damage to their property.
“It’s very worrisome, and to think of could they have done their job quicker? What was he doing inside our home? Why did they have to remove him from our home? It’s very bothersome,” Williams added.
Despite the charges, Welbaum is still employed with the Nashville Fire Department. However, reports indicate that he is not currently working with the public. His court appearance is scheduled for January 24.
The incident raises questions about the appropriate conduct of off-duty firefighters in emergency situations, emphasizing the importance of following established protocols and respecting the authority and jurisdiction of the responding emergency services. The legal proceedings will likely delve into the details of Welbaum’s actions and their potential impact on the firefighting efforts and overall safety at the scene.