§ 18-62. Fire inspector.

(a)

The chief of the fire department shall be ex officio fire inspector. As such, he and his duly designated representatives shall have authority to enter any and all premises, at reasonable hours and with proper identification, for the purpose of making authorized inspections.

(b)

The fire inspector shall make or cause to be made periodic inspections of all structures located within the limits of the city as required by law or by order of the council.

(c)

The fire inspector shall, on receipt of a complaint alleging any violation of this chapter or that in any building or structure there is a dangerous condition due to the presence of combustible material or the existence of flammable conditions, or that there is overcrowding in violation of occupancy limits established pursuant to the state building code, promptly investigate such complaint and take such action as may be appropriate.

(d)

The fire inspector shall investigate the causes of fires and shall keep records of his findings as to origin, location, property owner, extent of damage and injury. These findings shall be reported to the state insurance commissioner at regular intervals.

(e)

The fire inspector shall cause the removal of fire hazards or the remedying of overcrowding by serving proper order on the owner or agent of the premises in question, such order to state a reasonable time limit for compliance. It shall be unlawful for any person so served to fail to comply with the order, subject to the person's right to appeal as provided in G.S. 69-4.

(Code 1985, § 31.36)

State law reference

Authority of chief of fire department to enter on buildings and premises to make inspections, G.S. 69-4; requirement to do so, G.S. 69-1.