§ 14-1-102. AUTHORITY TO INVESTIGATE FIRES.

(a)

In general. The Fire Chief or the Fire Chief's designee may investigate the cause of a fire that happens in the county whenever the Fire Chief or Fire Chief's designee considers an investigation expedient or necessary.

(b)

Authority to summon witnesses. The Fire Chief or the Fire Chief's designee may:

(1)

Summon and compel the attendance of all necessary witnesses; and

(2)

Direct the witnesses to produce all necessary papers and books.

(c)

Method of summons.

(1)

The Fire Chief or the Fire Chief's designee shall direct every summons to the sheriff of the county.

(2)

The sheriff shall serve a summons as other writs of like nature and may charge a fee for delivering the summons that is similar to the fee allowed for similar writs.

(d)

Penalty. A person who refuses to obey a summons served under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(1988 Code, § 16-5) (Bill No. 26-00, § 2, 7-1-2004)