For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates, or requires, a different meaning.
AGGRAVATED FIRE EMERGENCY. One, or more, of the following:
(1) A fire proximately caused by the owner or occupier of a property, or other determined responsible party, which presents a direct and immediate threat to public safety and requires immediate action to mitigate the threat, and the fire is either:
(a) Caused, or contributed to, by the failure to comply with an order from any state, city, county, or local agency, department, or official; or
(b) Occurs as a direct result of a deliberate act in violation of state law, or the ordinances or regulations of the city, county, or other local agency.
(2) A fire that constitutes arson or reckless burning, as defined by the state code; or
(3) An alarm that results in a city, county, or local fire unit being dispatched, and the person transmitting, or causing the transmission of, the alarm knows at the time of said transmission that no fire or related emergency exists.
EXPENSES. The actual costs of city, county, or local government and volunteer personnel, including worker’s compensation benefits, fringe benefits, administrative overhead, costs of equipment, costs of equipment operation, cost of materials, costs of disposal, and the cost of any contract labor and materials.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS EMERGENCY. A sudden or unexpected release of any substance that, because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics, presents a direct or immediate threat to public safety or the environment, and requires immediate action to mitigate the threat.
(Prior Code, § 8.16.020) (Ord. 04-2002, passed 6-19-2002)