§ 13-86. Investigation of fires, reports.

(a)

The Fire Chief shall investigate the cause, origin and circumstances of every fire occurring in the City which is of a suspicious nature or which involves loss of life or injury to persons or by which property has been destroyed or substantially damaged. Such investigations shall begin immediately upon the occurrence of such a fire The Fire Chief shall take charge of the physical evidence, shall notify the proper authorities designated by law to pursue the investigation of such matters, and shall further cooperate with the authorities in the collection of evidence and in the prosecution of the case.

(b)

Every fire shall be reported in writing to the Fire Chief within two days after the occurrence thereof.

(c)

The police chief, upon request of the Fire Chief, shall assist in the investigation of any fire which is of suspicious origin.

(d)

Persons other than those required to be present may be excluded from the place where the investigation is held and the witnesses may be kept separate and apart from each other and not allowed to communicate with each other until they have been examined.

(Code 1973, § 15-18(1.7); Code 1992, § 13-76; Ord. No. 912-G, § 1(13-76), 1-8-2009)