(A) As authorized by G.S. § 58-79-1, the Fire Marshal, or the Fire Chief of a Fire Department, shall have authority to investigate or cause to be investigated the circumstances, events, and actions leading to the ignition of a fire or to any explosion and to collect evidence and data to determine the origin and cause of any fire or explosion that occurs within the jurisdictional boundaries. The Fire Marshal may conduct fire or explosion origin and cause investigations or participate in such investigations in other jurisdictions upon request.
(B) The Fire Chief of a Fire Department may request the Fire Marshal to conduct an origin and cause investigation for a fire or an explosion. Prior to requesting assistance from the Fire Marshal, a preliminary investigation should be made by the Fire Chief of the Fire Department to gather any critical information pertinent to the incident. The Fire Chief will report any preliminary findings to the Fire Marshal.
(Ord. passed 6-22-21)