Fake firefighter arrested after starting fire so he could put it out

By: Eva Fett

(Click through then] Scroll down for video) A man was arrested and charged with arson related charges after he started a fire in order to be able to put it out, according to police reports in Florida.

Brooksville Police said that Joseph Michael Brannen had a burning ambition to be a firefighter, but his plans have gone up in smoke.

Brannen, 18, is in hot water after police said he admitted to deliberately starting a fire inside his local library, so that could help put it out.

The fire occurred at the East Hernando Branch Library in Brooksville, Florida, and investigators immediately suspected foul play when they arrived and saw a man, who later identified himself as Brannen.

Brannen told authorities he heard the call of the fire on his scanner and wanted to help fight the fire with equipment he bought on ebay.

However, he was not allowed near the fire.
Upon further investigation, officials began to believe Brannen started the fire himself.

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