Sec. 352.013. INVESTIGATION OF FIRES. (a) The county fire marshal shall:
(1) investigate the cause, origin, and circumstances of fires that occur within the county but outside the municipalities in the county and that destroy or damage property or cause injury; and
(2) determine whether a fire was the result of negligent or intentional conduct.
(b) The commissioners court of a county, with the advice of the county fire marshal, shall adopt rules and procedures for determining which fires warrant investigation by the county fire marshal. The county fire marshal shall begin an investigation within 24 hours after the receipt of information regarding a fire that warrants investigation under commissioners court rules and procedures. The 24-hour period does not include a Sunday.
(c) In the performance of official duties, the county fire marshal, at any time of day, may enter and examine a structure where a fire has occurred and may examine adjacent premises.
Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 371, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Structure Texas Statutes
Subtitle B - County Public Safety
Chapter 352 - County Fire Protection
Subchapter B. County Fire Marshal
Section 352.011. Creation of Office; Term
Section 352.012. Qualifications for Office
Section 352.013. Investigation of Fires
Section 352.014. Record of Investigation
Section 352.015. Arson Investigation
Section 352.016. Inspection or Review of Plan for Fire or Life Safety Hazards
Section 352.0165. Inspection of Group Homes in Certain Counties; Fee
Section 352.017. Privacy of Examinations; Service of Process
Section 352.018. Effect on Civil Actions
Section 352.019. Cooperation With Other Fire Protection Agencies; Training for First Responders
Section 352.021. Contempt of Fire Investigation Proceedings