If in making such an investigation, the fire marshal shall make complaint under oath that there is good cause of suspicion or belief that the burning of or explosion on any land, building or vessel or of any object was caused by any act constituting a crime as defined in Article 1 (§ 18.2-77 et seq.) of Chapter 5 of Title 18.2 and that he has been refused admittance to the land, building or vessel or to examine the object in or on which any fire or explosion occurred within fifteen days after the extinguishment of such, any magistrate serving the city or county where the land, building, vessel or object is located may issue a warrant to the sheriff of the county or the sergeant of the city requiring him to enter such land, building or vessel or the premises upon which the object is located in the company of the fire marshal for the purposes of conducting a search for evidence showing that such fire or explosion was caused by any act defined in Article 1 of Chapter 5, of Title 18.2.
1970, c. 187; 2008, cc. 551, 691.
Structure Code of Virginia
Chapter 3 - Local Fire Marshals
§ 27-30. Appointment of fire marshal
§ 27-31. Investigation of fires and explosions
§ 27-32. Summoning witnesses and taking evidence
§ 27-32.1. Right of entry to investigate cause of fire or explosion
§ 27-32.2. Issuance of fire investigation warrant
§ 27-33. Report of investigation
§ 27-34. Duties and powers at fires
§ 27-34.2:1. Police powers of fire marshals
§ 27-34.4. Inspection and review of plans of buildings under construction
§ 27-35. Penalty for failure to discharge duty
§ 27-36. Appointment, powers and duties of assistant fire marshals