§ 11-52. Powers generally.

(a)

The chief of the fire department shall have the power of absolute command and control over all persons present at a fire and shall ex officio have and exercise all the powers of a police officer at the time and place of a fire.

(b)

The chief shall have the power if need exists to summon any and all persons present to aid in the extinguishing of any fire or in the removal or guarding of any property from any building or structure on or in danger of fire.

(c)

The chief shall have the power to order the destruction and removal of any building, fence, structure or other object which the chief may deem necessary for checking the progress of a fire.

(d)

The chief shall have the power to order any establishment in the vicinity of a fire to close for such length of time as the chief may deem necessary.

(e)

The chief shall have the power to assign to duty one or more firefighters at any public gathering. Such firefighters shall have the power to prohibit any smoking, careless handling of torches, flares, electric light apparatuses, gas jets, any combustible material or anything which will interfere with any fire extinguishing apparatus. It shall be the duty of the guard of any entrance to admit such members of the fire department through the entrance. The chief, subject to the approval of the city council, shall prescribe any rules as may be necessary for the prevention of fire and maintenance of public safety at any public gathering.

(Code 1981, § 2.22.020)

State law reference

Duties of chief, MCA 7-33-4104(a).