1. (a) In this section, the term "firefighter" includes an individual who performs fire suppression duties for a governmental entity or volunteer fire department.
2. (b) If a firefighter dies in the line of duty in connection with a fire-fighting incident in this state, the state fire marshal shall investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the firefighter, including the cause and origin of the fire, the condition of the structure, and the suppression operation, to determine the factors that may have contributed to the death of the firefighter.
3. (c) In conducting an investigation under this section, the state fire marshal has the same powers as those granted to the state fire marshal under Section 417.007. The state fire marshal shall coordinate the investigative efforts of local government officials and may enlist established fire service organizations and private entities to assist in the investigation.
4. (d) The state fire marshal shall release a report concerning an investigation conducted under this section on completion of the investigation.
5. (e) Not later than October 31 of each year, the state fire marshal shall deliver to the commissioner a detailed report about the findings of each investigation conducted under this section in the preceding year.
6. (f) Information gathered in an investigation conducted under this section is subject to Section 552.108.
7. (g) The authority granted to the state fire marshal under this section shall not limit in any way the authority of the county or municipal fire marshal to conduct the county or municipal fire marshal's own investigation into the death of a firefighter within the county or municipal fire marshal's jurisdiction.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 846, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.