Pennsylvania Act 1903-51 — FIRST CLASS CITIES, FIRE MARSHAL

Act text

AN ACT

Relating to the powers, duties and compensation of the fire marshal in cities of the first class.

Section 1. Be it enacted, &c., That in cities of the first class there shall be a fire marshal, to be subject to the direction of the Department of Public Safety, and shall have such assistants as may be necessary, whose salary shall be fixed by the councils of such city.

Section 2. It shall be the duty of the fire marshal or his assistants to examine into the cause, circumstances or origin of every fire occurring in any such city, by which any building, vessel, vehicle, or any personal property shall be burned, destroyed or damaged, wholly or partially; and inquire whether the fire was the result of carelessness or the act of an incendiary. Such fire marshall or his assistants may take the testimony, under oath, of all persons supposed to have any knowledge of the matter, reduce it to writing, and transmit the same to the mayor, with his report thereon; and shall report to the district attorney the facts he may have ascertained from such investigation when, in his opinion, there is evidence of arson, cause such person or persons to be arrested, and furnish to the district attorney the evidence with the names of witnesses.

Section 3. The fire marshal or his assistants may enter and examine all livery and other stables, hayboats or vessels, and any place where any powder, hemp, flax, tow, hay, rushes, firewood, boards, shingles, shavings, and any explosive or combustible material, may be stored or deposited; and to ascertain whether the provisions of the law relating to explosives or combustibles are violated; in which event he shall deliver to the occupant or owner of said premises a printed notice of the law in reference thereto, and a notice to remove or remedy the same, as the case be. The councils of such city shall provide by ordinance for the enforcement of the provisions of this act, and fix a fine for the violation thereof.

Section 4. The fire marshal may enter all buildings of a public character, departmental stores and hotels, churches, theatres, public halls, and other structures used or intended to be used for the purpose of assemblies, amusement or instruction, and buildings used for manufacturing, where a large number of people congregate or are employed, and ascertain whether the hall doors, stairways, passageways and aisles thereof, furnishing egress, are kept clear and free from all obstructions during business hours or when any performance, service, exhibition, lecture or ball is going on; and shall serve a written or printed notice on the owner, lessee, manager or occupant of any such buildings or structure, violating any city ordinance or law in such case made and provided, directing such changes as may be proper or expedient to furnish full and free access to, and egress from, all aisles and exits to any fire-escapes, doors, hall, stairways and street entrances, in and about any such building or structure.