(A) The Police or Fire Chief and his or her written designees, in charge of the scene of a fire or other emergency involving the protection of life and/or property, shall have the power and authority to direct such operations as may be appropriate to extinguish or control any fire, perform any rescue operation, investigate the existence of suspected or reported fires, gas leaks, or other actual or reasonably suspected hazardous conditions or situations or of taking any other action appropriate to facilitate the reasonable performance of their duty. In the exercise of such power, any person, vehicle, or thing may be prohibited from approaching the scene and may be removed or kept away from the scene when that person, vehicle, or thing may impede or interfere with the operations of public safety personnel.
(B) The Police or Fire Chief or written designee shall have the authority to place ropes, guards, barricades, or other obstructions across any street, alley, place or private property in the vicinity of such operation so as to assist public safety personnel in the management and control of the situation.
(C) Any person who obstructs the Police or Fire Department in the performance of its responsibilities or disobeys any lawful command of the Police or Fire Chief or his or her written designee shall be in violation hereof and subject to the penalties provided in I.C. 35-44-3-8, and this chapter.
(Ord. 12-C-00, passed 8-29-00)