Section 5: Investigation of premises and alleys as to fire hazards; remedy of conditions; expenses; penalty

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Questions and Answers

Who has the authority to enter buildings and premises to investigate fire hazards?

The mayor

The building inspector

The city council

The marshal or the head of the fire department (correct)

Under what condition must the marshal or the head of the fire department investigate a building or premises?

When a fire has already occurred

Only if there is visible smoke

Upon receiving a complaint from a person having an interest in any building or adjacent property (correct)

Upon request from the mayor

What must be done if fire hazards are found during the investigation?

The building must be evacuated immediately

The hazards must be reported to the police department

The building must be closed until further notice

The hazards must be ordered to be remedied in writing (correct)

What types of materials are mentioned as combustible rubbish?

Waste paper, rags, cardboard, string, packing material Signup and view all the answers

How should the notice of order to remedy fire hazards be served?

By a member of the fire or police department Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the order to remedy fire hazards is not complied with within twenty-four hours?

The person making the order may enter and remove the hazards at the owner's expense Signup and view all the answers

Who bears the expense of removing fire hazards if the order is not complied with?

The owner or occupant Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the marshal or head of the fire department regarding fire hazards?

To investigate and remedy fire hazards Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the debt incurred from the removal of fire hazards?

It becomes a debt due to the commonwealth or the city/town Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for collecting the debt for removal or abatement of fire hazards?

The collector of taxes Signup and view all the answers

Who receives the amounts collected by the collector of taxes in the case of debts due to the commonwealth?

The treasurer of the commonwealth Signup and view all the answers

What is the penalty for an owner or occupant who fails to comply with the fire hazard order?

A fine of not more than fifty dollars for each consecutive forty-eight hours of non-compliance Signup and view all the answers

Who may delegate authority in writing to enter and investigate buildings and premises for fire hazards?

The marshal or the head of the fire department Signup and view all the answers

Which term is included under 'premises' for the purposes of this section?

Alleys adjacent to the building Signup and view all the answers

What must be done with the account for expenses incurred in removing fire hazards?

It must be rendered to the owner Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a fire menace or obstacle to easy ingress or egress?

Accumulation of combustible rubbish Signup and view all the answers

Who serves the notice of the fire hazard order?

A firefighter or police officer Signup and view all the answers

What must be done if combustible rubbish is found during the investigation?

The rubbish must be removed or the condition remedied in writing Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Authority and Procedure for Fire Hazard Investigation

The marshal or head of the fire department has the authority to enter buildings and premises to investigate fire hazards.
Investigations must be conducted upon receiving a complaint from those with an interest in the property.

Remediation of Fire Hazards

If fire hazards are identified, a written order must be issued to remedy the conditions.
Combustible rubbish includes waste paper, rags, cardboard, string, and packing material.

Notification and Compliance

Notices regarding fire hazards should be served by a member of the fire or police department.
Failure to comply with the order within twenty-four hours allows for the removal of hazards at the property owner's expense.

Financial Responsibility and Debt Collection

The owner or occupant is responsible for expenses incurred in the removal of fire hazards.
Debt for removal costs becomes a liability to the city or commonwealth and is collected by the tax collector.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Owners or occupants failing to comply face a fine of up to fifty dollars for each consecutive forty-eight hours of non-compliance.
The marshal or head of the fire department can delegate authority for inspections and can act in place of the mayor concerning liens and claims.

Definitions and Scope

"Premises" includes buildings and adjacent alleys and not just the building itself.
Fire menaces include the accumulation of combustible rubbish and can obstruct ingress or egress.

Compliance Outcomes

If the order to remedy fire hazards is followed within twenty-four hours, no further action is taken against the owner.
Tax collectors play a crucial role in collecting debts related to fire hazard removal, ensuring payment to the treasurer of the commonwealth.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the authority and procedures involved in investigating fire hazards. Learn about the remediation of fire hazards, notification processes, and financial responsibilities for property owners. This quiz will help you understand the essential roles of fire departments and the legal obligations that arise from fire hazards.