MADISON — A man described as a hero for saving the residents of an apartment building from a fire is accused by Rockingham County authorities of setting the blaze.

Jacob Rumley, 21, is charged with first-degree arson.

More than a dozen trucks responded to a fire at an eight-unit apartment building in Madison on Tuesday. Rumley said he was at the building to repair something in a tenant’s apartment when he noticed smoke. Rumley said he knocked on everyone’s door and got them and their pets out of the building.

Madison Police Chief Perry Webster wouldn’t say what identified Rumley as a suspect. Rumley is in the Rockingham County jail on a $25,000 bond. It’s not known if he has an attorney.