SB 6403 - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Declares that the responsibility for investigating the origin, cause, circumstances, and extent of loss of all fires shall be assigned as follows:  (a) Within any city or town, the chief of the fire department;

     (b) within unincorporated areas of a county, the county fire marshal, or other fire official so designated by the county legislative authority.

     Provides that any law enforcement agency, sheriff, or chief of police may assist in the investigation of the origin, cause, circumstances, and extent of loss of all fires within his or her respective jurisdiction.

     Requires a report to a local law enforcement agency and to the state fire marshal when a fire is determined to be suspicious or criminal in nature.

     Precludes a fire marshal or other person from entering the scene of an emergency until permitted by the officer in charge of the emergency incident.