The Fire Chief has the following powers and duties:
(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[4])
1. General. Perform all duties required by the Fire Chief by law or ordinance.
2. Enforce Laws. Enforce all ordinances and, where enabled, State laws regulating the following:
A. Fire prevention;
B. Maintenance and use of fire escapes;
C. The investigation of the cause, origin and circumstances of fires;
D. The means and adequacy of exits in case of fire from halls, theatres, churches, hospitals, asylums, lodging houses, schools, factories and all other buildings in which the public congregates for any purpose;
E. The installation and maintenance of private alarm systems and fire extinguishing equipment.
3. Authority at Fires. When in charge of a fire scene, direct an operation as necessary to extinguish or control a fire, perform a rescue operation, investigate the existence of a suspected or reported fire, gas leak, or other hazardous condition, or take any other action deemed necessary in the reasonable performance of the department’s duties.
(Code of Iowa, Sec. 102.2)
4. Control of Scenes. Prohibit an individual, vehicle or vessel from approaching a fire scene and remove from the scene any object, vehicle, vessel or individual that may impede or interfere with the operation of the Fire Department.
(Code of Iowa, Sec. 102.2)
5. Authority to Barricade. When in charge of a fire scene, place or erect ropes, guards, barricades or other obstructions across a street, alley, right-of-way, or private property near the location of the fire or emergency so as to prevent accidents or interference with the fire fighting efforts of the Fire Department, to control the scene until any required investigation is complete, or to preserve evidence related to the fire or other emergency.
(Code of Iowa, Sec. 102.3)
6. Command. Be charged with the duty of maintaining the efficiency, discipline and control of the Fire Department. The members of the Fire Department shall, at all times, be subject to the direction of the Fire Chief.
7. Property. Exercise and have full control over the disposition of all fire apparatus, tools, equipment and other property used by or belonging to the Fire Department.
8. Notification. Whenever death, serious bodily injury, or property damage in excess of $200,000 has occurred as a result of a fire, or if arson is suspected, notify the State Fire Marshal’s Division immediately. For all other fires causing an estimated damage of $50.00 or more or emergency responses by the Fire Department, file a report with the Fire Marshal’s Division within ten (10) days following the end of the month. The report shall indicate all fire incidents occurring and state the name of the owners and occupants of the property at the time of the fire, the value of the property, the estimated total loss to the property, origin of the fire as determined by investigation, and other facts, statistics, and circumstances concerning the fire incidents.
(Code of Iowa, Sec. 100.2 & 100.3)
9. Right of Entry. Have the right, during reasonable hours, to enter any building or premises within the Fire Chief’s jurisdiction for the purpose of making such investigation or inspection which under law or ordinance may be necessary to be made and is reasonably necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare.
(Code of Iowa, Sec. 100.12)
10. Recommendation. Make such recommendations to owners, occupants, caretakers or managers of buildings necessary to eliminate fire hazards.
(Code of Iowa, Sec. 100.13)
11. Assist State Fire Marshal. At the request of the State Fire Marshal, and as provided by law, aid said marshal in the performance of duties by investigating, preventing and reporting data pertaining to fires.
(Code of Iowa, Sec. 100.4)
12. Records. Cause to be kept records of the Fire Department personnel, fire fighting equipment, depreciation of all equipment and apparatus, the number of responses to alarms, their cause and location, and an analysis of losses by value, type and location of buildings.
13. Reports. Compile and submit to the Mayor and Council a monthly report of the number of service hours, the status and activities of the department as well as such other reports as may be requested by the Mayor or Council.
(Ord. 557 – Oct. 16 Supp.)
14. Authority to Cite Violations. As the fire official acting under the authority of Chapter 100 of the Code of Iowa, issue citations in accordance with Chapter 805 of the Code of Iowa, for violations of State and/or local fire safety regulations.
(Code of Iowa, Sec. 100.41)