Chapter 35: Fire Department

All members of the department shall meet the minimum training standards established by the State Fire Marshal and attend and actively participate in regular or special training drills or programs as directed by the Fire Chief. Each member of the department shall be trained and certified Firefighter I and Firefighter II within two years of hire unless otherwise provided by law. (Code of Iowa, Sec. I OOB.

The Fire Chief shall perform all duties required of the Fire Chief by law or ordinance, including but not limited to the following: Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.

1. Enforce Laws. Enforce ordinances and laws regulating fire prevention and the investigation of the cause, origin, and circumstances of fires.

2. Technical Upon request, give advice concerning private fire Assistance. alarm systems, fire extinguishing equipment, fire escapes and exits, and development of fire emergency plans.

3. Authority at Fires. When in charge of a fire scene, direct an operation as

necessary to extinguish or control a fire, perform a rescue operation, investigate the existence of a suspected or reported fire, gas leak, or other hazardous condition, or take any other action deemed necessary in the s duties. (Code of Iowa, Sec. reasonable performance of the department'

4. Control of Scenes. Prohibit an individual, vehicle or vessel from

approaching a fire scene and remove from the scene any object, vehicle, vessel or individual that may impede or interfere with the operation of the Fire Department. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 102.

5. Authority to Barricade. When in charge of a fire scene, place or erect

ropes, guards, barricades or other obstructions across a street, alley, right-of-way,or private property near the location of the fire or emergency so as

efforts of the Fire toprevent accidents or interference with the firefighting is Department, to control the scene until any required investigation complete, or to preserve evidence related to the fire or other emergency. Code of Iowa, Sec. 102.

6. Command. Be charged with the duty of maintaining the efficiency, discipline, and control of the Fire Department. The members of the Fire Department shall, at all times, be subject to the lawful direction of the Fire Chief.

7. Property. Exercise and have full control over the disposition of all fire apparatus, tools, equipment, and other property used by or belonging to the Fire Department.

8. Notification. Whenever death, serious bodily injury, or property damage in excess of two hundred thousand dollars (S200, 000)has occurred as a result of a fire, or if arson is suspected, notify the State Fire Marshal's Division immediately. For all other fires causing an estimated damage of fifty dollars ($50.00)or more or emergency responses by the Fire Department, file a report with the Fire Marshal's Division within ten (10)

days following the end of the month. The report shall indicate all fire incidents occurring and state the name of the owners and occupants of the

property at the time of the fire, the value of the property, the estimated total loss to the property, origin of the fire as determined by investigation, and other facts, statistics, and circumstances concerning the fire incidents.

Code of Iowa, Sec. 100. 2 &

9. Right of Entry. Have the right, during reasonable hours, to enter any building or premises within the Fire Chief's jurisdiction for the

purpose of making such investigation or inspection which under law or ordinance may be necessary to be made and is reasonably necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 100.

10. Recommendation. Make such recommendations to owners,

occupants, caretakers, or managers of buildings necessary to eliminate fire hazards.

Code of Iowa, Sec. 100.

11. Assist State Fire Marshal. At the request of the State Fire Marshal, and as provided by law, aid said marshal in the performance of duties by investigating, preventing, and reporting data pertaining to fires.

Code of Iowa, Sec. 100.

12. Records. Cause to be kept records of the Fire Department personnel, training, firefighting equipment, depreciation of all equipment and apparatus, the number of responses to alarms or incidents, their

cause, and location, and an analysis of losses by value, type, and location of buildings. The Fire Chief or Fire Marshal shall cause fire reports to be submitted to the State Fire Marshal. The Fire Chief, Fire Marshal, or Medical Officer shall cause or submit all emergency medical patient care

reports to the Iowa Bureau of Emergency and Trauma Services in

accordance with Iowa law.

13. Reports. Compile and submit to the Mayor and Council an annual report of the status and activities of the department as well as such other reports as may be requested by the Mayor or Council.

No person shall willfully fail or refuse to comply with any lawful order or direction of the Fire Chief or any designee.

The Fire Chief shall establish such policies, guidelines, and rules, not in conflict with the Code of Ordinances or state or

federal law, as may be necessary for the operation of the department.

The department shall answer calls to fires and other emergencies outside the City limits as contracted for by the City; and in addition, the department may answer calls for assistance from members of the Johnson County Mutual Aid Association if the Fire Chief or officer in charge determines that answering such calls will not disable or prevent the fire department from protecting the City and Clear Creek Township and Union of Johnson County. (Code Townships of Iowa, Sec. 364.

Subject to approval by resolution of the Council, the department may enter into mutual aid and automatic aid agreements with other legally constituted municipalities, including fire departments, emergency medical service departments, or law enforcement agencies. Copies of any such agreements shall be filed with the Clerk and the Iowa secretary of state, or as otherwise required by law.

Code of Iowa, Sec. 364. 4[ 3]) &

Fire officials acting under the authority of Chapter 100 of the Code of Iowa may issue citations in accordance to Chapter 805 of the Code of Iowa, for violations of State and/ or local fire safety regulations. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 100.

The department shall have an EMS division and is authorized to provide non -transport emergency medical services. Johnson County Ambulance Service shall provide transport emergency medical services. The accidental injury, workers' compensation, and liability insurance provided for herein shall include the of EMS provision and cover all emergency medical providers. Department members shall be certified Emergency Medical Technician within two (2) years of joining as an

the Fire Department. Upon written request of a member or the request of the Fire Chief and EMS Division Chief or Medical Officer, the City Administrator, for good cause, may extend this certification deadline by six (6)months.

35.15 GRANTS. The Fire Chief or the Chief's designee may apply for grants, including grant applications offered by the state of Iowa or federal government. Grants with a cost share requirement shall be approved by the City Council prior to accepting an award.