A.
The Fire Inspector and the Bureau of Fire Prevention
shall investigate the cause, origin and circumstances of every fire in which
a person has been injured or by which property has been destroyed or damaged
and, so far as possible, shall determine whether the fire is the result of
carelessness or design. If it appears that such fire is of suspicious origin,
the Fire Inspector shall notify the proper authorities designated by law to
pursue the investigation of such matters, shall take charge immediately of
the physical evidence and shall further cooperate with the authorities in
the collection of evidence and in the prosecution of the case. Every fire
to be investigated shall be reported in writing to the Bureau of Fire Prevention
and the Building Inspector within two (2) days after the occurrence of the
same by the officer in whose jurisdiction such fire has occurred. Such report
shall be in such form as shall be prescribed by the Chief of the Bureau and
shall contain a statement of all facts relating to the cause, origin and circumstances
of such fire, the extent of the damage thereof, the insurance upon such property
and such other information as may be required, on blanks provided by the Bureau.
All fires not so inspected shall be reported monthly to the Bureau. The Fire
Inspector shall apprise the Fire Chief of the district involved as to his
findings in order to allow the Chief to file his state report as required.
B.
The Fire Inspector or a duly authorized assistant shall
have the authority to order a building closed or a section of the building
or premises sealed off in the event of a fire or emergency so that an investigation
may be conducted in order to determine the cause of the fire or emergency.
