§ 35.06 Fire Chief: Duties

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. 372.13[4])

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

2. Technical Assistance. Upon request, give advice concerning private fire 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 reasonable performance of the department’s duties. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 102.2)

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. 102.2)

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

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 102.3)

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 ($200,000) 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 & 100.3)

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. 100.12)

10. Recommendation. Make such recommendations to owners, occupants, caretakers, or managers of buildings necessary to eliminate fire hazards.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 100.13)

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. 100.4)

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.