(A) Definition. For purposes of this section, a FIRE WATCH shall mean the assignment of a person or persons to an area for the express purpose of notifying the Fire-Rescue and Beach Safety Department, the building occupants, or both, of an emergency; preventing a fire from occurring, extinguishing small fires; or protecting the public from fire or life safety dangers.
(B) Establishment of a fire watch detail. The Fire Chief, or his or her designee, is hereby authorized to establish a fire watch detail when, in the opinion of the Fire Chief, a fire code violation exists, unsafe conditions exist, or additional fire personnel may be needed for special events. In addition, if a commercial establishment or residential development submits a request to the Fire Chief to retain the Fire Department for a fire watch, then the Fire Chief, at his or her sole discretion, may establish such detail.
(C) Personnel. The fire watch detail may be staffed with state-certified firefighters and, where special circumstances may exist, the Fire Chief may permit these details to be staffed with private sector personnel,
(D) Cost recovery. The Fire-Rescue and Beach Safety Department is hereby authorized to submit an invoice to the property owners, occupants, insurance companies and other responsible parties for all actual costs, plus administrative expenses incurred, as a result of the established detail. All invoices shall be due within 30 days from the date the invoice is sent. When the detail is scheduled in advance for special events, the organizer of the special event shall make full payment for the details to the Fire Department prior to the Fire Chief approving the special event.
(E) Costs for recovery established by resolution. All costs for recovery of a fire watch shall be established by resolution of the City Commission.
(Ord. O-2016-03, passed 2-17-16)