35-9-109. Investigation of fires; notification to fire marshal; powers of fire marshal.
(a) The county fire warden or chief of the fire department of a city, town, county or fire district shall investigate the cause, origin and circumstances of each fire occurring in the city, town, county or district that was reported or subject to emergency response, by which property has been destroyed or damaged.
(b) The officer investigating a fire shall notify the state fire marshal and within one (1) week of the fire shall furnish him a written statement of all facts relating to its cause and origin, and other information required by forms provided by the state fire marshal.
(c) The state fire marshal may investigate the origin or circumstances of any fire or explosion or any attempt to cause a fire or explosion.
(d) In performing the duties imposed by this act, the state fire marshal may:
(i) Enter and examine any building or premises where any fires or attempt to cause fires occurred;
(ii) Enter any building adjacent to that in which a fire or attempt to cause a fire occurred; and
(iii) Take full control and custody of the buildings and premises until his examination and investigations are completed.