1. (a) A fire department shall investigate and determine the causes and circumstances surrounding each fire occurring within the territory served by the fire department. The fire department shall begin the investigation when the fire occurs. The fire department shall immediately notify the department if the fire chief believes that a crime may have been committed and shall submit a written or electronic report to the department concerning every investigation at the end of each month. The fire department shall submit the report on the form prescribed by the department and shall include the following information in the report:

   1. (1) A statement of the facts relating to the cause and origin of the fire.
   2. (2) The extent of damage caused by the fire.
   3. (3) The amount of insurance on the property affected by the fire.
   4. (4) Other information required in the commission's rules.

2. (b) To carry out this section, a fire department may:

   1. (1) enter and inspect any real or personal property at a reasonable hour;
   2. (2) cooperate with the prosecuting attorney and assist the prosecuting attorney with any criminal investigation;
   3. (3) request that the office subpoena witnesses under IC 22-14-2-8 or order the production of books, documents, and other papers;
   4. (4) give oaths and affirmations;
   5. (5) take depositions and conduct hearings; and
   6. (6) separate witnesses and otherwise regulate the course of proceedings.
3. (c) Subpoenas, discovery orders, and protective orders issued under this section shall be enforced under IC 4-21.5-6-2 .

As added by P.L.245-1987, SEC.21. Amended by P.L.222-1989, SEC.19; P.L.1-2006, SEC.578; P.L.57-2020, SEC.15; P.L.187-2021, SEC.148.