66. Duties of Police officers at a fire. (Section 3, Bengal Act II of 1866) (Section 9, Bengal Act IV of 1866). - (1) Notification of fire. - On seeing or receiving information of a fire, a Police officer shall at once inform the Fire Brigade specially in all cases where the Police officer has reasonable grounds for thinking that the fire is likely to spread. The Police officer shall give his name and rank and the message shall be as short and concise as possible giving the exact locality of fire, the thana nearest to the scene of fire and if possible the nature of the fire.
(2)Where lives are in danger. - In such cases the Police officer shall take all steps to save life. He shall make strict enquiries whether any persons are in the burning building and if so, he must obtain all information with a view to locating them and thus enable the fire brigade to effect their speedy rescue.(3)Police to attend fire. - Immediately the Fire Brigade has been called to a fire, the senior Police officer with all available men must proceed to the fire and form a complete cordon around the fire. They shall not permit unauthorised persons other than the owners of houses actually burning or in danger of burning to approach the place.(4)Water supply. - Police officers are to ascertain at once what water supply is available and note the exact position of the nearest hydrants and tanks in order that the information may be ready for the Fire Brigade on its arrival.(5)Directing the Fire Brigade to the fire. - Police officers shall at once be directed to the various turnings from the main road, so that they may direct the Fire Brigade to the fire.(6)Clearing traffic for the Fire Brigade in the Streets. - All traffic is to be diverted to the sides of the street on the approach of the Fire Brigade Engines leaving the centre of the road clear for the Fire Brigade. All traffic from side streets should be stopped until the Fire Brigade has passed.(7)Removal of property. - In the event of the removal of any property from the scene of a fire, a full description of all such property shall be noted and names and addresses of the persons removing the same and number of the carts used shall be noted by the senior Police officer present.(8)Insufficient Police present. - Should there be insufficient Police officers present to carry out the Police duties the senior Police officer present shall immediately communicate with Control Room in order to obtain a sufficient force.(9)Fire reports. - Officers-in-charge of police stations in submitting reports of fire shall enter the number of Police officers and men (the officers should be mentioned by name) who attended the fire and what assistance they rendered in preventing the crowd from hampering the Fire Brigade in their work and protecting rescued property. All reports must be received at the Headquarters within twenty-four hours from the time of occurrence.
