The bill amends the duties of fire officials in Iowa, specifically outlining the responsibilities of the chief of the fire department or their designee in investigating fires. It mandates that they investigate the cause, origin, and circumstances of every fire resulting in property damage, bodily injury, or destruction, determining whether the fire was caused by natural factors, negligence, or intentional action. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Transportation to provide registration information to fire officials who are certified law enforcement officers during investigations, and mandates that all law enforcement agencies grant access to the national crime information center database for these officials.

Furthermore, the bill revises the reporting requirements for fire incidents. For fires that do not involve death, serious bodily injury, property damage exceeding $200,000, or suspected arson, fire officials must file a report with the fire marshal's division within seven days after the end of the month, regardless of the division's involvement in the investigation. An extension of up to fourteen days may be granted upon written request. The report must detail all fire incidents with estimated damage of $50 or more, including information about property ownership, value, estimated loss, and the fire's origin, as well as details regarding emergency responses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 100.2, 100.3