Section 8 in The West Bengal Fire Services Act, 1950
8. Enquiry into origin of fire and report to Magistrate.
(1)In the case of any fire occurring within any [area] [Word substituted for the words 'local area' by W.B. Act 21 of 1960.] in which this Act is in force, the seniormost officer in rank among the members of the fire brigade in that [area] [Word substituted for the words 'local area' by W.B. Act 21 of 1960.] [or where members of the fire brigade are sent beyond the limits of any [area] [Words inserted by W.B. Act 27 of 1951.] in which this Act is in force to extinguish fire in the neighbourhood of such limits, the seniormost officer in rank among the members so sent], shall ascertain the facts as to the origin and cause of such fire and shall make a report thereon to the [District Magistrate] [Words substituted for the word 'Magistrate' by W.B. Act 7 of 1996.] having jurisdiction in the place in which such fire [has] [Word substituted for the words 'shall have' by W.B. Act 7 of 1996.] occurred [* * * * * *] [Words ';and the said Magistrate, in any case where he may deem fit, shall summon witnesses and take evidence in order to the further ascertainment of such facts' omitted by W. B. Act 7 of 1996.].(1A)[ The District Magistrate on receiving the report under sub-section (1) may, if he deems fit, cause, either by himself or by any other Magistrate not below the rank of Sub-Divisional Magistrate, an enquiry, summon witnesses and take evidence about the cause of fire and effectiveness of the fire-fighting operations and recommend actions as may be required to be taken to prevent recurrence of similar fire incidents. The District Magistrate shall submit his findings along with his recommendations to the State Government under intimation to the Director. The Director shall take such measures as he may deem fit and necessary on the basis of the said findings and recommendations, and inform the State Government accordingly :] [Sub-Section (1A) inserted by W.B. Act 7 of 1996.]Provided that the State Government may require any fire incident to be enquired into by a committee specially constituted for the purpose in addition to, or in place of, the enquiry as aforesaid.(2)[ Copies of the report referred to in sub-section (1) may be furnished by the District Magistrate to a fire assurance company or other person interested, on payment of such fees and in such manner as may be prescribed.] [[Sub-Section (2) substituted by W.B. Act 7 of 1996. Earlier sub-Section (2) was as under :-'(2) Copies of all reports and of all evidence recorded under this section shall be furnished on application to any Fire Assurance Company or other person interested, on payment of the fees payable for the copies of judicial proceedings.'.]]
