(1)In the case of any fire occurring within any area in which this Act is in force, the senior most officer in rank among the members of the fire brigade in that area or where members of the fire brigade are sent to any place beyond the limits of any area in which this Act is in force to extinguish fire in such place, the senior most 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 a Magistrate having jurisdiction in the place in which such fire has occurred ; and the said Magistrate may, in any case where he thinks fit, summon witnesses and take evidence in order to further ascertain such facts.
