General powers of fire departments

Any fire department of a county, municipality, or other political subdivision and any chartered fire department shall have the authority to: (1) Protect life and property against fire, explosions, hazardous materials, or electrical hazards; (2) Detect and prevent arson; (3) Administer and enforce the laws of this state; the rules and regulations adopted by the departments, boards, bureaus, commissions, and agencies of this state; and any ordinances, rules, regulations, or codes adopted by the county, municipality, or other political subdivision of this state that are related to the prevention and suppression of fires, explosions, or injuries from hazardous materials and explosions and the protection of life and property from such hazards; (4) Conduct programs of public education in fire prevention and safety; (5) Conduct emergency medical services and rescue assistance, subject to Chapter 11 of Title 31 and subject to the approval of the county, municipality, or other political subdivision; (6) Control and regulate the flow of traffic in areas of existing emergencies, including rail, highway, water, and air traffic; and (7) Perform all such services of a fire department as may be provided by law or which necessarily appertain thereto. History. Ga. L. 1980, p. 1395, § 1. 25-3-2. Powers of fire departments in event of emergencies generally. In the event of any fire, explosion, bomb threat, or similar emergency, the fire department in any county, municipality, or other political subdivision shall be authorized to: (1) Enter any property, building, structure, vehicle, watercraft, aircraft, railroad car, or other place for the purpose of fighting the fire, explosion, or similar hazardous conditions or searching for a bomb or enter any such place which is, in the opinion of the chief officer of the fire department or his designee, endangered by fire, explosion, bomb threat, or similar hazardous conditions; (2) Cut any wires, electrical or otherwise, or turn off any utility, as deemed necessary to preserve life or property; 63 25-3-4 (3) Prevent the blocking of any public or private street, road or alley, way or driveway, or emergency lane during any such emergency and remove any vehicles or other obstructions necessary; (4) Confiscate supplies, chemicals, or equipment necessary for such emergency; (5) Make any necessary tests; and (6) Evacuate any building or area necessary. History. Ga. L. 1980, p. 1395, § 2; Ga. L. 1983, p. 3, § 18; Ga. L. 1989, p. 271, § 1.