Sec. 26-4. - Investigation of cause and origin of fires.

(a)

The bureau of fire prevention shall investigate the cause, origin and circumstances of every fire occurring in the town by which property has been destroyed or damaged and, so far as possible, shall determine whether the fire is the result of carelessness or design.

(1)

Such investigations shall begin as soon as an investigator can respond, upon the occurrence of such a fire

(2)

If it appears to the investigator making the investigation that the fire is of suspicious origin, the chief of the fire department shall be immediately notified of the fact; the investigator shall take charge immediately 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)

The chief of the fire department or his/her designee, shall report any structure damaged by fire to the town building inspector, and furnish a basic fire report no later than 24 hours following the extinguishment of the fire, accompanied by a recommendation with proposed measures to insure reasonable safety.

(c)

Upon receipt of a report from the fire chief or his/her designee, regarding a structure damaged by fire, the building inspector, or a designee, shall inspect said structure no later than 24 hours following the receipt of such a report.

(d)

The building inspector shall ensure that any structure classified as a public safety hazard and/or a general safety threat to the community is secured immediately following such a classification and/or determination.

(1)

The burden of securing such a structure shall be placed upon the owner of the property.

(2)

The owner of a property classified as a public safety hazard and/or general safety threat to the community shall secure the said property within seven days of such a classification.

(3)

In the event that an owner of a structure classified as a public safety hazard and/or general safety threat fails to secure such property, the building inspector, or a designee, shall secure the structure and charge the owner of the aforementioned property with any and all applicable expenses necessary to secure the structure.

(Ch. 1080, § 1, 10-19-2020)