61. - Powers of Police and the Tamil Nadu Fire Service on the occasion of a fire
On the occasion of a fire in the City of Madras, the Commissioner or any Police Officer above the rank of constable or any member of the Tamil Nadu Fire Services above the rank of fireman may --(a)remove or order the removal of any persons who by their presence interfere with or impede the operations for extinguishing the fire or for saving life or property, and may close any street or passage in or near which any fire is burning ;(b)by himself or those acting under his orders break into or through or pull down, or use for the passage of hoses or other appliances any premises for the purpose of extinguishing the fire, doing as little damage as possible ;(c)cause the mains and pipes of any district to be shut off so as to give greater pressure of water in the place where the fire has occurred ;(d)call on the persons in-charge of any fire-engine to render such assistance as may be possible ; and(e)generally, take such measures as may appear necessary for the preservation of life and property.Any damage done on the occasion of fires by members of the Tamil Nadu Fire Services or of any fire-brigade or by Police Officers or their assistants in the due execution of their duties shall be deemed to be damaged by fire within the meaning of any policy of insurance against fire. But nothing in this section shall exempt any officer of Police or any member of the Tamil Nadu Fire Services or of any fire-brigade from liability to damages on account of any acts done by him without reasonable cause.
