Fire Investigation.
CHAPTER 12.
FIRE INVESTIGATION.
[CAP. 12
To authorize judicial investigations into the causes of fire. Originally
[18th December, 1895.]
29 of 1895. Fraser
8 of 1895.
12 of 1940.
9 of 1950. 22 of 1950.
1. This Ordinance may be cited as the Fire Investigation Ordinance.
Short title.
In case of fire Commissioner to take possession of premises and report.
2. Whenever a fire has taken place on any premises, or there is reason to suppose that an attempt has been or is about to be made to set fire to any premises or part thereof, the Commissioner of Police shall, as soon as possible, take possession of such premises and of any other premises where the fire is supposed to have originated, to the exclusion, if he deems it necessary, of the owners and all others; and he shall make or cause to be made, by the police officer in charge of the district or by such police officer as shall be deputed by the superintendent in charge of the division, a full and minute inspection of such premises, and shall forthwith make a written report in detail to a magistrate of the state of the said premises and of contents, if any, thereof, furnishing also all such information touching the origin and circumstances of the fire as he may be able to obtain.
12 of 1940, s. 2.
Inquiry by magistrate into causes of fire.
3. On the receipt of such report, the magistrate, unless, on consideration of the facts stated therein, he is of opinion that such inquiry is unnecessary, shall proceed to investigate the causes of the fire, and shall, with as little delay as practicable, take the depositions upon oath of all persons likely to know the facts and circumstances and of all other persons who, in his opinion, may be able to furnish information in respect thereof.
Examination of witnesses.
4. At such investigation any police officer not below the rank of inspector or the police officer in charge of the district or such police officer as shall be deputed by the superintendent in charge of the division and any interested person may by leave of the magistrate and either personally or by his counsel or solicitor examine the witnesses and cause to be examined such persons as may be able to give information touching the fire or the attempt as aforesaid.
12 of 1940, s. 3.
325