(a) The state attorney general, through the state bureau of investigation, and the chief of the fire department, are hereby authorized to investigate the cause, origin, and circumstances of every fire occurring in the city in which property has been destroyed or damaged, and shall specially make investigation whether the fire was the result of carelessness or design. A preliminary investigation shall be made by the chief of the fire department and must be begun within three (3) days, exclusive of Sunday, of the occurrence of the fire, and the attorney general, through the state bureau of investigation, shall have the right to supervise and direct the investigation when he deems it expedient or necessary.
(b) The chief of the fire department shall forthwith notify the attorney general, and must within one (1) week of the occurrence of the fire furnish to the attorney general a written statement of all facts relating to the cause and origin of the fire, the kind, value and ownership of the property destroyed, and such other information as is called for by the forms provided by the attorney general.
(Code 1982, 3-2004)
State Law References: Investigation of fires and inspection of premises, G.S. 69-1 et seq.