(a) The code official shall investigate, or cause to be investigated, every fire or explosion occurring within the jurisdiction that is of a suspicious nature or which involves the loss of life or serious injury or causes destruction or damage to property. Such investigation shall be initiated immediately upon the occurrence of such fire or explosion; and if it appears that such an occurrence is of a suspicious nature, the code official shall immediately take charge of the physical evidence and, in order to preserve any physical evidence relating to the cause of origin of such fire or explosion, the code official shall take means to prevent access by any person to the structure of premises until such evidence has been properly processed. The code official shall notify those persons designated by law to pursue investigation into such matters and shall further cooperate with the authorities in the collection of evidence and prosecution of the cases and shall pursue the investigation to its conclusion.
(b) The Fire Chief or his designee shall have the authority to examine witnesses, compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books and papers, cause arrest, administer oaths, and enter, for the purpose of or which, in his opinion is in danger from fire.
(Ord. 1435-01. Passed 11-29-01.)
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