§ 14-51. Operations at Fire or Other Emergencies.

(A)

Authority at fires and other emergencies. At the scene of a fire or other emergency involving the protection of life and/or property or any part thereof, the Chief Fire Official shall have the power and authority to direct such operations as may be necessary to extinguish or control any fire, perform any rescue operation, investigate the existence of suspected or reported fires, gas leaks or other hazardous conditions or situations or of taking any other action necessary in the reasonable performance of their duty. In the exercise of such power, the Chief Fire Official may prohibit any person, vehicle, vessel or thing from approaching the scene and may remove or cause to be removed or kept away from the scene any vehicle, vessel or thing which may impede or interfere with fire rescue operations and, in the judgment of the Chief Fire Official, any person not actually and usefully employed in the extinguishing of such fire or in the preservation of property in the vicinity thereof.

(B)

Interference with fire rescue department or certain acts prohibited at or near fires.

(1)

It shall be unlawful for any person to obstruct the operations of the Fire Department in connection with extinguishing any fire, or other emergency, or disobey any lawful command of the Chief Fire Official, or any designee who may be in charge at such a scene, or any part thereof, or any law enforcement officer assisting the fire rescue department.

(2)

It shall be unlawful to commit any of the following acts at the burning of a building or at any other time and place where any firefighters are discharging or attempting to discharge an official duty:

(i)

To resist or interfere with the lawful efforts of any firefighter in the discharge of or attempting to discharge an official duty.

(ii)

To disobey the lawful orders of any firefighter or public officer.

(iii)

To engage in any disorderly conduct which delays or prevents a fire from being timely extinguished.

(iv)

To forbid or prevent others from assisting in extinguishing a fire or exhort another person, as to whom he has no legal right or obligation to protect or control, from assisting in extinguishing a fire.

(v)

To possess any flammable, explosive or combustible material or substance, or any device in an arrangement or preparation, with intent to willfully and maliciously use such material to set fire to or burn any buildings or property.

(vi)

To possess, manufacture or dispose of a firebomb containing flammable liquid, having a wick or similar device capable of being ignited, excluding commercially manufactured devices primarily for the purpose of illumination.

(3)

Authority to barricade. At the scene of a fire or other emergency, the Chief Fire Official shall have the authority to place ropes, guards, barricades or other obstructions across any street, alley, place or private property in the vicinity of such operation so as to prevent accident or interference with the lawful efforts of the fire rescue department to manage and control the fire or other emergency situation and to handle fire apparatus.

(Ord. No. 16-89, § 3, 9-7-16)