(A) The serving Fire Department shall investigate the origin, cause, and circumstances of all fires as pursuant to I.C. 36-8-17-7, under the supervision of the Fire Chief and/or his or her designee(s) all fires occurring in its District that meet any of the following criteria shall be investigated:
(1) Any fire of a suspicious nature;
(2) Any fire involving loss of life or injury to persons;
(3) When notified by any Fire Department;
(4) When circumstances warrant; and
(5) When otherwise deemed necessary.
(B) Such investigation will commence immediately upon the occurrence of such a fire and, if it appears that such fire is of suspicious origin, the Fire Chief and/or his or her designee(s) shall immediately be notified and coordinate investigation activities with the Fire Department having jurisdiction. Any information obtained pursuant to any such investigation shall be confidential as authorized and required by law. The local law enforcement agency, upon request of the Fire Chief and/or his or her designee(s), may render such assistance as necessary in the investigation of any fire. If a fire involves the loss of life to any person(s), the State Fire Marshal’s office shall be immediately notified. The Fire Chief and/or his or her designee(s) may utilize all available resources including, but not limited to:
(1) State Fire Marshal’s office;
(2) Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF);
(3) County Sheriff’s Department;
(4) Town Police Department; and
(5) Other fire investigators as deemed necessary.
(Ord. 2010-16, passed 12-6-2010)