Chapter 1.32
FIRE CHIEF AND FIRE MARSHAL
Sections:
1.32.010 Fire chief – Office established.
1.32.020 Fire chief – Appointment and term.
1.32.035 Assistant fire chief – Salary.
1.32.050 Fire marshal – Office established – Appointment – Compensation – Term.
1.32.060 Fire marshal – Duties.
1.32.070 Interference with firefighting – Prohibited.
1.32.080 Violations – Penalties.
1.32.010 Fire chief – Office established.
There is established the office of fire chief of the volunteer department of the city. (Ord. 326 § 1, 1937).
1.32.020 Fire chief – Appointment and term.
The fire chief shall be appointed by the mayor upon the recommendation of the members of the volunteer fire department. The fire chief shall hold office during the term of office of the mayor. (Ord. 326 § 2, 1937).
1.32.030 Fire chief – Salary.
The fire chief shall receive as compensation for his services such sums as shall be fixed by the city council at the time of making the annual estimates and shall be $250.00 per month. (Ord. 889 § 2, 1994; Ord. 836 § 4, 1990; Ord. 595 § 2, 1976).
1.32.035 Assistant fire chief – Salary.
The assistant fire chief shall receive as compensation for his services such sums as shall be fixed by the city council at the time of making the annual estimates and shall be $250.00 per month. (Ord. 889 § 2, 1994; Ord. 836 § 4, 1990; Ord. 595 § 2, 1976).
1.32.040 Fire chief – Duties.
The duties of the fire chief shall be to keep an active volunteer organization to serve the city when its services are required; to inspect the fire equipment of the city, and report to the city council at frequent intervals as to the condition thereof, and recommend such repairs as are necessary; to report after each fire the names of the volunteer firemen who served, the hours each served, any injuries or damage to the person of the firemen or their property; to keep the fire engine in readiness for a fire emergency, and to see that all fire equipment is promptly replaced after each use thereof; to personally direct the firemen during the fighting of any fire; to enforce the penal provisions of this chapter and the laws of the state with reference to spectators’ interference at any fire; to make arrests for violations thereof; to report to the city council at frequent intervals any fire hazards within the city and to assist in enforcement of fire prevention and, in so doing, the fire chief shall have the power and authority to inspect premises belonging to others and request that fire hazards be removed. (Ord. 326 § 3, 1937).
1.32.050 Fire marshal – Office established – Appointment – Compensation – Term.
There is established the office of fire marshal who shall be appointed by the mayor upon the recommendation of the members of the volunteer firemen of the city. The fire marshal shall serve without pay at the pleasure of the mayor. (Ord. 326 § 4, 1937).
1.32.060 Fire marshal – Duties.
The fire marshal shall assist the fire chief in the performance of his duties and shall have the further authority and duty to enforce the penal provisions of this chapter, and the laws of the state of Washington, with reference to persons interfering with the progress of firefighting at the time of any fire, and shall periodically report to the city council any fire hazards within the city, and perform such other services as may be requested of him by the fire chief or city council. (Ord. 326 § 5, 1937).
1.32.070 Interference with firefighting – Prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation at the time of any fire, or at any other time which the firefighting equipment is in use in the city of Ritzville, to:
A. Fail to drive to the curb at the signal of the fire engine siren, and to afford to the firefighting equipment the right-of-way;
B. Follow behind the firefighting equipment, with any automobile, truck or other vehicle at a distance nearer than 300 feet;
C. Drive over any hose or other firefighting equipment with any auto, truck or other vehicle;
D. Park any auto, truck or other vehicle within 600 feet of the place of any fire, or within the place which any of said equipment is being used for other purposes within the city of Ritzville;
E. Be within the fire area, or other area in which use is being made by the firemen for the purposes of putting out a fire or for other purposes, and as established by the fire chief or fire marshal, unless requested by a member of the volunteer firemen, or other officer to render assistance;
F. Interfere in any manner whatsoever with the work of the firemen or the fire equipment;
G. When, in the opinion of any fireman or officer, a spectator is interfering with the firemen or their work, to promptly remove to a place beyond the fire area, or any other area in which the firemen are performing tasks on behalf of the municipality or citizens of the city of Ritzville. (Ord. 651 § 3, 1980; Ord. 326 § 6, 1937).
1.32.080 Violations – Penalties.
Violation of any provision of this chapter shall be punishable in accordance with RCC 1.02.010, General penalty. (Ord. 1092 § 18, 2005; Ord. 326 § 7, 1937).