Chapter 2.24 — FIRE DEPARTMENT

State Law reference— Authority of city legislative body to establish a fire department, provide fire engines, and all other necessary or proper apparatus for the prevention and extinguishment of fires in the city, Government Code § 38600.

The objective of the fire department shall be the prevention of fires, and the protection of life and property within the city limits.

(Code 1972, § 2.24.010; Ord. No. 457, § 1, 1977)

The city volunteer fire department shall consist of a fire chief and other officers as the fire chief may deem necessary for the effective operation of the department. The city manager shall appoint and have the power to remove the fire chief. It shall be the fire chief's duty to administer the operation of the fire department of

the city. The fire chief shall be technically qualified by training and experience and shall have the ability to command men and hold their respect and confidence.

(Code 1972, § 2.24.020; Ord. No. 457, § 2, 1977)

The chief shall be held accountable to the city manager, and he shall make written and verbal reports as may be required. The fire department officers and personnel shall be accountable to the chief only.

(Code 1972, § 2.24.030; Ord. No. 457, § 3, 1977)

The membership of the department shall consist of such persons as may be appointed by the fire chief and shall be able-bodied citizens, over the age of 18, who have telephones in their homes. Determination of whether candidates for appointment are able-bodied shall be made by the fire chief, who may request a medical and physical examination. Any member of the department may be suspended or discharged from the department by the fire chief at any time he deems it necessary for the good of the department. On written request by the member to the city manager such member shall be given a public hearing on the charges brought by the fire chief.

(Code 1972, § 2.24.040; Ord. No. 457, § 4, 1977)

It shall be the duty of the fire chief, and he shall have the power:

(1)

To superintend, direct, and control the actions of members of the fire department at all fires, practices, drills, meetings, parades, and public appearances of the department;

(2)

To superintend, direct, and control the affairs of the department and maintain all equipment in good condition for ready use;

(3)

To enforce the provisions of this chapter, other ordinances of the city, and the laws of the state, relating to:

a.

Prevention, suppression and investigation of fires;

b.

Storage and use of flammable materials;

c.

Maintenance of adequate means of egress from all buildings and places of public assembly, and to be available in case of fire;

(4)

To formulate a set of rules and regulations to govern the department, subject to approval of the city council;

(5)

To conduct suitable drills or instruction, not less than twice a month, in the operation and handling of equipment, first aid and rescue work, salvage, study of the buildings of the city, fire prevention, water supplies, and all other matters generally considered essential to good firemanship, and safety of life and property from fire;

(6)

To see that complete records are kept of all fires, inspections, apparatus and minor equipment, personnel, and other pertinent information.

(Code 1972, § 2.24.050; Ord. No. 457, § 5, 1977)

The department shall be equipped with such apparatus and other equipment as may be required from time to time to maintain its efficiency and properly protect life and property from fire. Recommendations of apparatus and equipment needed shall be made by the fire chief, and upon approval by the city council shall be purchased in such a manner as may be designated by the city council. The fire chief shall authorize expenditures not to exceed $25.00 for repairs and maintenance. All other proposed expenditures shall be referred to the city manager for approval. All equipment shall be housed in such places as may be designated by the city council. Suitable arrangements shall be made for notifying all members of the department in the event of an alarm so that they may respond properly.

(Code 1972, § 2.24.060; Ord. No. 457, § 6, 1977)

The storage, handling, and use of flammable or explosive substances, and the use or occupancy of buildings and premises in the city, shall be in conformity with nationally recognized safe practice for safeguarding to a reasonable degree of life and property from the hazards of fire or explosion. Compliance with the provisions of the fire prevention code recommended by the American Insurance Association, or the Uniform Fire Code recommended by ICBO and WFCA shall be deemed to be prima facie evidence of compliance with such nationally recognized safe practice.

(Code 1972, § 2.24.070; Ord. No. 457, § 7, 1977)

The fire chief, or his duly appointed representative, is empowered to enter any and all buildings and premises at any reasonable hour for the purpose of making inspections, and to serve written notice upon

the owner or occupant to abate, within a specified time, any and all fire hazards that may be found.

(Code 1972, § 2.24.080; Ord. No. 457, § 8, 1977)

The chief of the fire department or officer in charge at the scene of any fire shall have full power and authority to direct all operations of extinguishing the same and taking the necessary precautions to prevent the spread thereof. In the course of such operations, he may demolish buildings and parts of buildings, which in his judgment may endanger life or cause further damage to property; he may prohibit approach to such fire by any person, vehicle, vessel, or thing, and may remove or cause to be removed and kept away from such fire any vehicle, vessel, thing or person.

(Code 1972, § 2.24.090; Ord. No. 457, § 9, 1977)

It is unlawful for any person to give or make, or cause to be given or made, an alarm of fire without probable cause or to refuse to obey any reasonable order of the chief at a fire, or to interfere with the fire department in the discharge of its duties.

(Code 1972, § 2.24.100; Ord. No. 457, § 10, 1977)

From time to time, as conditions warrant, the city council shall by resolution establish the amount to be paid to the members of the city volunteer fire department for meetings, for drills and instruction, and for fires.

(Code 1972, § 2.24.110; Ord. No. 457, § 11, 1977)

Section 1702 is added to the fire code to read as follows:

Section 1702: Violations of section 305 of this code may, at the discretion of the issuing officer, be cited as an infraction with penalties prescribed as follows:

a.

First offense, fine up to $50.00.

b.

Second offense, fine up to $100.00.

c.

Third and subsequent offenses shall be cited as misdemeanors with penalties as provided in section 1701 of this code.

(Code 1972, § 2.24.130; Ord. No. 468(part), 1977; Ord. No. 481, § 1, 1978)

Editor's note— Title 20 was completely superseded by Ordinance No. 1068, passed July 27, 1999. Prior ordinance history: Ordinance No. 808.