In addition to such other duties as may be prescribed by law, the Fire Marshal and his or her assistants appointed pursuant to VA Code § 27-36 shall have the same police powers as a sheriff, police officer, or law enforcement officer. The investigation and prosecution of all offenses involving hazardous materials, fires, fire bombings, bombings, attempts, or threats to commit such offenses, false alarms relating to such offenses, possession and manufacture of explosive devices, substances, and fire bombs shall be the responsibility of the Fire Marshal or his or her designee.
(1998 Code, § 22-5.1) (Ord. O-2013-04, passed 4-2-2013; Ord. O-2023-15, passed 9-19-2023)