reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 25.1 - Eminent Domain › Chapter 4 - Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies › § 25.1-421. Buildings, structures and other improvements on real property

A. To the greatest extent practicable, where an interest in real property is acquired by a state agency, the state agency shall acquire an equal interest in all buildings, structures, or other improvements located upon the real property so acquired and that are required to be removed from such real property so acquired and that are determined to be adversely affected by the use to which such real property will be put.
B. For the purpose of determining the just compensation to be paid for any building, structure or other improvement required to be acquired as provided in subsection A, such building, structure or other improvement shall be deemed to be a part of the real property to be acquired, notwithstanding the right or obligation of a tenant, as against the owner of any other interest in the real property, to remove such building, structure or improvement at the expiration of his term. In such event, the tenant shall be paid an amount equal to the greater of (i) the fair market value that such building, structure or improvement contributes to the fair market value of the real property to be acquired or (ii) the fair market value of such building, structure or improvement to be removed from the real property.
C. Payment for such building, structures or improvements as set forth in subsections A and B shall not result in duplication of any payments otherwise authorized by other laws of the Commonwealth. No such payment shall be made unless the owner of the land involved disclaims all interest in the improvements of the tenant. In consideration for any such payment, the tenant shall assign, transfer and release all his right, title and interest in and to such improvements. Nothing with regard to such acquisition of buildings, structures or other improvements shall be construed to deprive the tenant of any rights to reject payment under this section and to obtain payment for such property interests in accordance with other laws of the Commonwealth.
D. The provisions of this section create no rights or liabilities and shall not affect the validity of any property acquisitions by purchase or condemnation.
1972, c. 738, §§ 25-235.1, 25-252; 2003, c. 940.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › § 27-1. Firefighters and equipment may in emergencies go or be sent beyond territorial limits

Whenever the necessity arises during any actual or potential emergency resulting from fire, personal injury, or other public disaster, the firefighters of any county, city, or town may, together with all necessary equipment, lawfully go or be sent beyond the territorial limits of such county, city, or town to any point within or without the Commonwealth, to assist in meeting such emergency.
In such event, the acts performed for such purpose by such firefighters and the expenditures made for such purpose by such county, city, or town shall be deemed conclusively to be for a public and governmental purpose and all of the immunities from liability enjoyed by a county, city, or town when acting through its firefighters for a public or governmental purpose within its territorial limits shall be enjoyed by it to the same extent when such county, city, or town is so acting, under this section or under other lawful authority, beyond its territorial limits.
The firefighters of any county, city, or town, when acting hereunder, or under other lawful authority, beyond the territorial limits of such county, city, or town, shall have all the immunities from liability and exemptions from laws, ordinances, and regulations, and shall have all of the pension, relief, disability, workers' compensation, and other benefits, enjoyed by them while performing their respective duties.
1942, p. 376; Michie Code 1942, § 3032c; 1966, c. 134; 1977, c. 326; 1995, c. 461; 2015, cc. 502, 503.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › § 27-2. Contracts of cities or towns to furnish fire protection

The governing body of any city or town may, in its discretion, authorize or require the fire department or division thereof to render aid in cases of actual or potential fire occurring beyond their limits, and may prescribe the conditions on which such aid may be rendered, and may enter into a contract, or contracts, with nearby, adjacent or adjoining counties and cities, within or without the Commonwealth, including the District of Columbia, for rendering aid in fire protection in such counties, cities, or any district, or sanitary district thereof or in the District of Columbia, on such terms as may be agreed upon by such governing body and the governing body of the District of Columbia or of such counties or cities or district, including sanitary districts, provided that each of the parties to such agreement may contract as follows: (i) waive any and all claims against all the other parties thereto which may arise out of their activities outside their respective jurisdictions under such agreement; (ii) indemnify and save harmless the other parties to such agreement from all claims by third parties for property damage or personal injury that may arise out of the activities of the other parties to such agreement outside their respective jurisdictions under such agreement. When the fire department or division of any city or town is operating under such permission or contract, or contracts, on any call beyond the corporate limits of the city or town, it shall be deemed to be operating in a governmental capacity and subject only to such liability for injuries as it would be if it were operating within the corporate limits of such city or town.
Code 1919, § 3033; 1938, p. 576; 1966, c. 134; 1968, c. 801; 1995, c. 461; 2015, cc. 502, 503.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › § 27-2.1. Contracts for fire protection for federal and state property

Any county, city, or town may contract with the federal or state government to provide fire service to federal or state property located within or without the boundaries of the county, city, or town.
In the absence of a written contract, any acts performed and all expenditures made by a county, city, or town in providing fire protection to property owned by the federal government shall be deemed conclusively to be for a public and governmental purpose and all of the immunities from liability enjoyed by a county, city, or town when acting through its firefighters for a public or governmental purpose within or without its territorial limits shall be enjoyed by it to the same extent when such county, city, or town is so acting, under the provisions of this section, or under other lawful authority.
The firefighters of any county, city, or town when acting hereunder, or under other lawful authority, shall have all of the immunities from liability and exemptions from laws, ordinances, and regulations and shall have all of the pension, relief, disability, workers' compensation, and other benefits enjoyed by them while performing their respective duties.
The amount of compensation to the county, city, or town pursuant to the contract shall be a matter within the sole discretion of the governing body of the county, city, or town.
1980, c. 729; 1995, c. 461; 2015, cc. 502, 503.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › § 27-3. Contract of county with city or another county for fire protection

The governing body of any county adjoining or near any city, town, or county, within or without the Commonwealth, including the District of Columbia, having and maintaining firefighting equipment may contract with any such city, town, or county, upon such terms as such governing body may deem proper, for fighting fires in such county, town, or city and may prescribe the terms and conditions upon which such services may be provided on privately owned property in the county, town, or city and may raise funds with which to pay for such services, by levying and collecting annually, at such rates as such governing body may deem sufficient, a special tax upon the property in such county, or in any magisterial district thereof, subject to local taxation.
Code 1919, § 2743; 1942, p. 118; 1966, c. 134; 1995, c. 461; 2015, cc. 502, 503.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › § 27-3.1. Public liability insurance to cover claims arising out of mutual aid agreements

The governing body of any city, county or town in the Commonwealth is authorized to procure or extend the necessary public liability insurance to cover claims arising out of mutual aid agreements executed with other cities, counties, or towns outside the Commonwealth, including the District of Columbia.
1968, c. 801; 1995, c. 461.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › § 27-4. Contract of county, city, or town to furnish fire protection

Any county, city, or town that operates firefighting equipment as provided for in § 27-15.2 and any county, city, or town mentioned in § 27-6.02 may contract with counties, cities, or towns in, adjacent to, or near such county, city, or town, including the District of Columbia, for fire protection in the manner provided for in § 27-2.
1946, p. 609; Michie Suppl. 1946, § 2743m; 1948, p. 160; 1970, c. 187; 1991, c. 54; 1995, c. 461; 2015, cc. 502, 503.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › § 27-5. Contracts as to installation of automatic sprinklers with incidental insurance clauses

Nothing contained in Title 38.2 shall be construed as prohibiting the performance of any contract made for the introduction of automatic sprinklers for reducing the risk by fire on any property located in this Commonwealth and containing provisions for obtaining or guaranteeing insurance against loss or damage by fire or water for a specified time at a fixed rate; provided, that all insurance contracts issued as a result of such contracts shall be in the form required by law in this Commonwealth; provided, further, that the contract rate be less than the published rate on risks covered thereby or the rate used by insurance companies writing such risks.
1930, p. 23; Michie Code 1942, § 4246c.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › § 27-5.3. Certain counties authorized to accept grants and other federal assistance

Any county having a population of more than 2,000 persons per square mile may apply for, accept and utilize grants and other assistance from the federal government pursuant to § 117 of the United States Housing Act of 1949 (79 Stat. 451, 477), as amended, for the purpose of carrying out programs of concentrated code enforcement and related activities.
1966, c. 435.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › § 27-5.5. Plans of certain state structures to be submitted to local governing bodies; access of local fire officials to state structures; corrective actions

A. Any agency, commission or institution of the Commonwealth engaging in the construction or renovation of a structure, the cost of which exceeds $25,000, shall submit, prior to the initiation of such construction or renovation, preliminary and working plans and specifications to the governing body, or its designee, of the political subdivision in which the structure is or will be located, provided that such governing body has submitted a written request for such plans and specifications to the Director of the Department of General Services and to such agency, commission or institution.
B. Every agency, commission or institution of the Commonwealth shall permit, at all reasonable hours, a local fire official reasonable access to existing structures or a structure under construction or renovation, for the purposes of performing an informational and advisory fire safety inspection. The local fire official may submit, subsequent to performing such inspection, his findings and recommendations including a list of corrective actions necessary to ensure that such structure is reasonably safe from the hazards of fire to the appropriate official of such agency, commission or institution, the Director of the Department of General Services, and the State Fire Marshal. Such agency, commission or institution shall notify, within sixty days of receipt of such findings and recommendations, the Director of the Department of General Services, the State Fire Marshal, and the local fire official of the corrective measures taken to eliminate the hazards reported by the local fire official. The State Fire Marshal shall have the same power in the enforcement of this section as is provided for the enforcement of the Statewide Fire Prevention Code (§ 27-94 et seq.).
1978, c. 197; 1989, c. 258.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-6.02. Provision of firefighting services

A. Any county, city, or town may provide firefighting services to its citizens by (i) establishing a fire department as a department of government pursuant to § 27-6.1 or (ii) contracting with or providing for the provision of firefighting services by a fire company established pursuant to § 27-8.
B. In cases in which a county, city, or town elects to contract with or provide for the provision of firefighting services by a fire company pursuant to clause (ii) of subsection A, the fire company shall be deemed to be an instrumentality of the county, city, or town and, as such, exempt from suit for damages done incident to fighting fires therein. The county, city, or town may elect to provide for the matters authorized in §§ 27-4 and 27-39.
As used in this section, "provide firefighting services" includes travel while performing fire, rescue, or other emergency operations in emergency vehicles or fire apparatus as described in §§ 46.2-920 and 46.2-1023, respectively.
2015, cc. 502, 503.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-6.1. Establishment of fire department; chiefs, officers, and employees

The governing body of any county, city, or town may establish a fire department as a department of government and may designate it by any name consistent with the names of its other governmental units. The head of such fire department shall be known as "the chief." As many other officers and employees may be employed in such fire department as the governing body may approve.
1970, c. 187; 2001, c. 142; 2008, c. 410; 2015, cc. 502, 503.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-6.01. Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Fire company" means a volunteer firefighting or firefighter support organization organized pursuant to § 27-8 in any county, city, or town of the Commonwealth for the purpose of extinguishing fires. Firefighter support group members shall not be included in the provisions of Title 9.1, Title 27, or Title 65.2 unless otherwise designated for inclusion by ordinance or resolution of the governing body of the applicable county, city, or town of the Commonwealth.
"Fire department" means a firefighting organization established as a department of government of any county, city, or town pursuant to § 27-6.1.
2015, cc. 502, 503; 2023, c. 237.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-6.2. Applicant preemployment information with fire departments

Applicants for employment with the fire department of any locality having a local ordinance adopted in accordance with § 19.2-389 may be required to submit to fingerprinting and to provide personal descriptive information to be forwarded along with the applicant's fingerprints through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the purpose of obtaining criminal history record information regarding such applicant; however, such applicants shall, if required by local ordinance, pay the cost of the fingerprinting or criminal records check or both.
The Central Criminal Records Exchange, upon receipt of an applicant's record or notification that no record exists, shall make a report to the fire chief or his designee, who must belong to a governmental entity. In determining whether a criminal conviction directly relates to a position, the locality shall consider the following criteria: (i) the nature and seriousness of the crime; (ii) the relationship of the crime to the work to be performed in the position applied for; (iii) the extent to which the position applied for might offer an opportunity to engage in further criminal activity of the same type as that in which the person had been involved; (iv) the relationship of the crime to the ability, capacity or fitness required to perform the duties and discharge the responsibilities of the position being sought; (v) the extent and nature of the person's past criminal activity; (vi) the age of the person at the time of the commission of the crime; (vii) the amount of time that has elapsed since the person's last involvement in the commission of a crime; (viii) the conduct and work activity of the person prior to and following the criminal activity; and (ix) evidence of the person's rehabilitation or rehabilitative effort while incarcerated or following release.
If an applicant is denied employment because of information appearing in his criminal history record, the locality shall provide a copy of the information obtained from the Central Criminal Records Exchange to the applicant. The information shall not be disseminated except as provided for in this section.
2001, cc. 353, 373; 2003, c. 739; 2018, c. 834.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-7. Bylaws of fire department; compensation of officers and employees; information on check stubs, time cards, etc.

The governing body of any county, city, or town may empower the fire department therein to make bylaws to promote its objects consistent with the laws of the Commonwealth and ordinances of the county, city, or town and may provide for the compensation of the officers and employees of such department.
All check stubs or time cards purporting to be a record of time spent on the job by a firefighter shall record all hours of employment, regardless of how spent. All check stubs or pay records purporting to show the hourly compensation of a firefighter shall show the actual hourly wage to be paid. Nothing in this section shall require the showing of such information on check stubs, time cards, or pay records; however, if such information is shown, the information shall be in compliance with this section.
Code 1919, § 3126; 1970, c. 187; 1984, c. 595; 2001, c. 142; 2015, cc. 502, 503.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-8. Who may form a fire company; limit on number of persons in combined companies

Any number of persons, not less than 20, may form themselves into a fire company for extinguishing fires. In any county in which two or more fire companies for extinguishing fires join together and singly use one fire station, the number of persons in the combined companies shall be not less than 20.
Code 1919, § 3121; 1946, p. 110; 1970, c. 187; 2001, c. 142; 2015, cc. 502, 503; 2023, c. 237.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-9. Organization of fire company

A writing stating the formation of a fire company, with the names of the members thereof thereto subscribed, shall be recorded in the court of the city or the court of the county wherein such fire company is located, after which the members of the fire company may make regulations for effecting its objects consistent with the laws of the Commonwealth, the ordinances of the county, city, or town and the bylaws of the fire department thereof. The principal officer of such fire company shall be known as "the chief."
Code 1919, § 3122; 1970, c. 187; 2001, c. 142; 2015, cc. 502, 503.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-10. Dissolution of fire company

Whenever the fire department of the county, city, or town to which any fire company belongs ascertains that such company has failed, for three months successively, to consist of 20 effective members, or ascertains that such fire company has failed for the like period to have or keep in good and serviceable condition an engine or other support apparatus and equipment and other proper implements, or the governing body of the county, city, or town for any reason deems it advisable, such governing body may dissolve the fire company.
Code 1919, § 3136; 1970, c. 187; 2001, c. 142; 2015, cc. 502, 503; 2023, c. 237.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-11. Duty of members on alarm of fire or call of a medical emergency

Every member of the fire company shall, upon any alarm of fire or call of a medical emergency, attend according to the ordinances of the county, city, or town, or the bylaws, rules, or regulations of the fire department or the fire company's regulations, and endeavor to extinguish such fire or assist in the medical emergency.
Code 1919, § 3123; 1970, c. 187; 2001, c. 142; 2015, cc. 502, 503.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-13. Appointment of chief and other officers

In every county, city, or town in which a fire company is established, there shall be appointed, at such time and in such manner as the governing body of such county, city, or town may prescribe, a chief and as many other officers as such governing body may direct.
Code 1919, § 3125; 1970, c. 187; 2008, c. 410; 2015, cc. 502, 503.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-14. Ordinances as to fire departments and fire companies

A. The governing body of any county, city, or town in which a fire department or fire company is established may make such ordinances in relation to the powers and duties of such fire departments or fire companies, and chiefs and other officers of such fire departments or fire companies, as it may deem proper, including billing property owners on behalf of volunteer fire departments as provided in § 38.2-2130.
B. The ordinances shall not require a minor who achieved certification under National Fire Protection Association 1001, level one, firefighter standards, as administered by the Department of Fire Programs, on or before January 1, 2006, between the ages of 15 and 16, to repeat the certification after his sixteenth birthday.
Code 1919, § 3127; 1970, c. 187; 2001, c. 142; 2006, c. 462; 2008, c. 410; 2013, cc. 356, 616; 2015, cc. 502, 503.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-15.1. Authority of chief or other officer in charge when answering alarm; penalty for refusal to obey orders

While any fire department or fire company is in the process of answering an alarm where there is imminent danger or the actual occurrence of fire or explosion or the uncontrolled release of hazardous materials that threaten life or property and returning to the station, the chief or other officer in charge of such fire department or fire company at that time shall have the authority to (i) maintain order at such emergency incident or its vicinity, including the immediate airspace; (ii) direct the actions of the firefighters at the incident; (iii) notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 46.2-888 through 46.2-891, keep bystanders or other persons at a safe distance from the incident and emergency equipment; (iv) facilitate the speedy movement and operation of emergency equipment and firefighters; (v) cause an investigation to be made into the origin and cause of the incident; and (vi) until the arrival of a police officer, direct and control traffic in person or by deputy and facilitate the movement of traffic. The fire chief or other officer in charge shall display his firefighter's badge or other proper means of identification. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, this authority shall extend to the activation of traffic control signals designed to facilitate the safe egress and ingress of emergency equipment at a fire station. Any person or persons refusing to obey the orders of the chief or other officer in charge at that time is guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor. The chief or other officer in charge shall have the power to make arrests for violation of the provisions of this section. The authority granted under the provisions of this section may not be exercised to inhibit or obstruct members of law-enforcement agencies or emergency medical services agencies from performing their normal duties when operating at such emergency incident, nor to conflict with or diminish the lawful authority, duties, and responsibilities of forest wardens, including but not limited to the provisions of Chapter 11 (§ 10.1-1100 et seq.) of Title 10.1. Personnel from the news media, such as the press, radio, and television, when gathering the news may enter at their own risk into the incident area only when the officer in charge has deemed the area safe and only into those areas of the incident that do not, in the opinion of the officer in charge, interfere with the fire department or fire company, firefighters, or emergency medical services personnel dealing with such emergencies, in which case the chief or other officer in charge may order such person from the scene of the emergency incident.
1970, c. 187; 1977, c. 326; 1984, c. 644; 2001, c. 142; 2008, c. 410; 2015, cc. 502, 503; 2017, c. 517.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-15.1:1. Penalty for refusing or neglecting to obey order of chief or other officer in command

If any person at a fire refuses or neglects to obey any order duly given by the chief or other officer in command, he shall be fined a civil penalty not to exceed $100.
2015, cc. 502, 503.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-15.2. Purchase, maintenance, etc., of equipment; donated equipment

A. The governing body of every county, city, and town shall have power to provide for the purchase, operation, staffing, and maintenance of suitable equipment for firefighting or performing emergency medical services in or upon the property of the county, city, or town and of its inhabitants, and to prescribe the terms and conditions upon which the same will be used for fighting fires or performing emergency medical services in or upon privately owned property. All equipment purchased after October 1, 1970, shall be equipped with threads of USA Standard B2.3, B2.4 of the American Standards Association.
B. Any fire department of a county, city, or town, or any fire company donating equipment for fighting fires to any fire department or any fire company, which equipment met existing engineering and safety standards at the time of its purchase by the donating entity, shall be immune from civil liability unless the donating entity acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct.
C. A safety inspection shall be completed by a certified emergency vehicle service center and a report designating any deficiencies shall be provided prior to the change in ownership of the donated emergency vehicle.
1970, c. 187; 2001, c. 142; 2010, c. 545; 2015, cc. 502, 503.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-15.3. Purchase of service-issued boots or helmet by certain firefighters

A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the governing body of any county, city, or town may allow any paid or volunteer firefighter for such jurisdiction with 10 or more years of service, but fewer than 20, to purchase the helmet or boots issued to the firefighter at fair market value.
B. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the governing body of any county, city, or town may allow any paid or volunteer firefighter for such jurisdiction with over 20 years of service to be given the helmet or boots issued to the firefighters or to purchase the helmet or boots issued to the firefighter at a price of $1.
2011, c. 22.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-17. Entry of buildings on fire and premises adjoining

The chief of any fire department or fire company or other authorized officer in command at a fire or medical emergency, and his subordinates, upon his order or direction, shall have the right at any time of the day or night to enter any building or upon any premises where a fire is in progress, or any building or premises adjacent thereto for the purpose of extinguishing the fire.
Code 1919, § 3130; 1970, c. 187; 2001, c. 142; 2015, cc. 502, 503.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-17.1. Remaining on premises after fire extinguished

The chief or other authorized officer of any fire department or fire company in command at a fire, and his subordinates upon his order or direction, shall have the right to remain at the scene of fire, including remaining in any building or house, for purposes of protecting the property and preventing the public from entry into the premises, until such reasonable time as the owner may resume responsibility for the protection of the property.
1978, c. 149; 2001, c. 142; 2015, cc. 502, 503.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-20. Destruction of property to prevent spread of fire

The chief, or other officer commanding in his absence, may direct the pulling down or destroying of any fence, house, or other thing which he may judge necessary to be pulled down or destroyed to prevent the further spreading of a fire, and for this purpose may require such assistance from all present as he shall judge necessary.
Code 1919, § 3133; 1970, c. 187; 2001, c. 142; 2008, c. 410; 2015, cc. 502, 503.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-21. Owner may recover amount of actual damage

The owner of property destroyed pursuant to § 27-20 shall be entitled to recover from the county, city, or town the amount of the actual damage that he may have sustained by reason of the same having been pulled down or destroyed under such direction.
Code 1919, § 3134; 1970, c. 187; 2015, cc. 502, 503.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-22. But not for property which would have been destroyed by the fire

Section 27-21 shall not enable anyone to recover compensation for property which would have been destroyed by the fire, if the same had not been pulled down or destroyed under such direction, but only for what could have been saved with ordinary care and diligence, had no such direction been given.
Code 1919, § 3135.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-23.1. Establishment of fire zones or districts; tax levies

The governing bodies of the several cities or counties of the Commonwealth may create and establish, by designation on a map of the city or county showing current, official parcel boundaries, or by any other description which is legally sufficient for the conveyance of property or the creation of parcels, fire zones or districts in such cities or counties, within which may be located and established one or more fire departments, to be equipped with apparatus for fighting fires and protecting property and human life within such zones or districts from loss or damage by fire, illness or injury.
In the event of the creation of such zones or districts in any city or county, the city or county governing body may acquire, in the name of the city or county, real or personal property to be devoted to the uses aforesaid, and shall prescribe rules and regulations for the proper management, control, and conduct thereof. Such governing body shall also have authority to contract with, or secure the services of, any individual corporation, organization, or municipal corporation, or any volunteer firefighters for such fire protection as may be required.
To raise funds for the purposes aforesaid, the governing body of any city or county in which such zones or districts are established may levy annually a tax on the assessed value of all property real and personal within such zones or districts, subject to local taxation, which tax shall be extended and collected as other city or county taxes are extended and collected. In any city or county having a population between 25,000 and 25,500, the maximum rate of tax under this section shall be $0.30 on $100 of assessed value.
The amount realized from such levy shall be kept separate from all other moneys of the city or county and shall be applied to no other purpose than the maintenance and operation of the fire departments and companies established under the provisions of this section.
1970, c. 187; 1972, c. 252; 1977, c. 326; 1978, c. 682; 1985, c. 343; 1993, c. 915; 2001, cc. 111, 142; 2007, c. 813; 2015, cc. 502, 503; 2023, c. 560.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-23.2. Advances by city or county to fire zone or district

The governing body of any city or county in the Commonwealth may advance funds, not otherwise specifically allocated or obligated, from the general fund to a fire zone or district to assist the fire zone or district to exercise the powers set forth in § 27-23.1.
1970, c. 187; 1985, c. 343; 2001, c. 142; 2015, cc. 502, 503.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-23.3. Reimbursement for advances

Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, the governing body shall direct the treasurer to reimburse the general fund of the city or county from the proceeds of any funds to the credit of the fire zone or district not otherwise specifically allocated or obligated to the extent that the city or county has made advances to the fire zone or district from such general fund to assist the zone or district to exercise the powers set forth in § 27-23.1.
1970, c. 187; 1985, c. 343; 2001, c. 142; 2015, cc. 502, 503.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-23.4. Validation of prior advances

The advancement of any funds heretofore advanced from the general fund by the governing body of any city or county in this Commonwealth for the benefit of a fire zone or district in exercising the lawful powers of such fire zone or district is hereby validated and confirmed.
1970, c. 187; 1985, c. 343; 2001, c. 142; 2015, cc. 502, 503.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-23.5. Exclusion of certain areas from fire zones or districts and exemption of such areas from certain levies

The governing body of any city or county having a fire zone or district created under the provisions of § 27-23.1, prior to June 1 of any calendar year, may alter the boundaries of such fire zone or district for the purpose of excluding an area of any such fire zone or district that is also within the boundaries of a sanitary district providing fire protection services or under contract to a sanitary district providing fire protection services.
Any area excluded from a fire zone or district as provided by this section shall not be subject to the levy set forth in § 27-23.1 for the year such area is excluded.
1970, c. 187; 1985, c. 343; 2001, c. 142; 2015, cc. 502, 503.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-23.7. Special levy for fire protection in certain counties

Chapter 207 of the Acts of 1930, approved March 22, 1930 (codified as § 3144k of Michie Code of 1942), as amended, by Chapter 297 of the Acts of 1938, approved March 28, 1938, Chapter 392 of the Acts of 1940, approved April 1, 1940, Chapter 40 of the Acts of 1945, approved April 5, 1945, and Chapter 41 of the Acts of 1956, approved February 16, 1956, relating to special levy for fire protection in counties adjacent to a county containing more than 500 inhabitants a square mile, is continued in effect.
1970, c. 187.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-23.8. Trial board for members of fire departments in certain counties

Chapter 8 of the Acts of 1950, approved February 9, 1950, as amended, by Chapter 409 of the Acts of 1954, approved April 3, 1954, relating to trial board for members of fire departments in any county having a population of more than 2,000 per square mile is incorporated in this Code by this reference.
1970, c. 187.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-23.9. Supervision and control of joint services of fire companies or departments

Whenever two or more fire companies or fire departments are called to provide joint services in any district or political subdivision, the commander of the first company or department to arrive shall have general supervision and control of all such participating companies and departments until an officer of such district or political subdivision who is otherwise authorized by law to do so assumes such general supervision and control.
1970, c. 187; 2001, c. 142; 2015, cc. 502, 503.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 2 - Fire/EMS Departments and Fire/EMS Companies › § 27-23.11. (Effective July 1, 2024) Firefighter electric vehicles fire training

All firefighters, including volunteer firefighters as defined in § 27-42, shall complete a training program developed by the Executive Director of the Department of Fire Programs pursuant to § 9.1-201 on the risks of fires in electric vehicles and how to safely and effectively manage such fires.
2023, c. 87.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 3 - Local Fire Marshals › § 27-30. Appointment of fire marshal

An officer, who shall be called a "fire marshal," may be appointed for each county, city or town, by the governing body thereof, whenever, in the opinion of such body, the appointment shall be deemed expedient. The term "fire marshal" as used in this chapter may include the local fire official and local arson investigator when appointed pursuant to this section.
Code 1919, § 3137; 1970, c. 187; 1977, c. 334; 1984, c. 644.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 3 - Local Fire Marshals › § 27-31. Investigation of fires and explosions

Such fire marshal shall make an investigation into the origin and cause of every fire and explosion occurring within the limits for which he was appointed, and for any such service he shall receive such compensation as the governing body may allow.
Code 1919, § 3138; 1997, c. 436.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 3 - Local Fire Marshals › § 27-32. Summoning witnesses and taking evidence

In making investigations pursuant to § 27-31, the fire marshal may issue a summons directed to a sheriff or sergeant of any county, city or town commanding the officer to summon witnesses to attend before him at such time and place as he may direct. Any such officer to whom the summons is delivered, shall forthwith execute it, and make return thereof to the fire marshal at the time and place named therein.
Witnesses, on whom the summons before mentioned is served, may be compelled by the fire marshal to attend and give evidence, and shall be liable in like manner as if the summons had been issued by a magistrate in a criminal case. They shall be sworn by the fire marshal before giving evidence, and their evidence shall be reduced to writing by him, or under his direction, and subscribed by them respectively.
Code 1919, §§ 3138, 4808, 4810; 1970, c. 187; 1997, c. 436; 2008, cc. 551, 691.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 3 - Local Fire Marshals › § 27-32.1. Right of entry to investigate cause of fire or explosion

If in making such an investigation, the fire marshal shall make complaint under oath that there is good cause of suspicion or belief that the burning of or explosion on any land, building or vessel or of any object was caused by any act constituting a crime as defined in Article 1 (§ 18.2-77 et seq.) of Chapter 5 of Title 18.2 and that he has been refused admittance to the land, building or vessel or to examine the object in or on which any fire or explosion occurred within fifteen days after the extinguishment of such, any magistrate serving the city or county where the land, building, vessel or object is located may issue a warrant to the sheriff of the county or the sergeant of the city requiring him to enter such land, building or vessel or the premises upon which the object is located in the company of the fire marshal for the purposes of conducting a search for evidence showing that such fire or explosion was caused by any act defined in Article 1 of Chapter 5, of Title 18.2.
1970, c. 187; 2008, cc. 551, 691.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 3 - Local Fire Marshals › § 27-32.2. Issuance of fire investigation warrant

A. If, in undertaking such an investigation, the fire marshal or investigator appointed pursuant to § 27-56 makes an affidavit under oath that the origin or cause of any fire or explosion on any land, building, or vessel, or of any object is undetermined and that he has been refused admittance thereto, or is unable to gain permission to enter such land, building, or vessel, or to examine such object, within 15 days after the extinguishing of such, any magistrate serving the city or county where the land, building, vessel, or object is located may issue a fire investigation warrant to the fire marshal or investigator appointed pursuant to § 27-56 authorizing him to enter such land, building, vessel, or the premises upon which the object is located for the purpose of determining the origin and source of such fire or explosion. After issuing a warrant under this section, the magistrate shall file the affidavit in the manner prescribed by § 19.2-54. After executing the warrant, the fire marshal, or investigator appointed pursuant to § 27-56, shall return the warrant to the clerk of the circuit court of the city or county wherein the investigation was made.
B. If the fire marshal or investigator appointed pursuant to § 27-56, after gaining access to any land, building, vessel, or other premises pursuant to such a fire investigation warrant, has probable cause to believe that the burning or explosion was caused by any act constituting a criminal offense, he shall discontinue the investigation until a search warrant has been obtained pursuant to § 27-32.1, or consent to conduct the search has otherwise been given.
1987, c. 701; 2008, cc. 551, 691; 2012, cc. 279, 330; 2014, c. 354.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 3 - Local Fire Marshals › § 27-33. Report of investigation

The fire marshal shall make report to the governing body by whom he was appointed of any investigation made by him as soon thereafter as practicable, returning therewith the evidence taken by him and submitting such recommendations therein as he may think the public interest demands.
Code 1919, § 3138.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 3 - Local Fire Marshals › § 27-34. Duties and powers at fires

Whenever any fire occurs, it shall be the duty of such fire marshal or his designated representative to be present at the same and advise and act in concert with such officers of police as may be present; and, for preserving order at and during the existence of such fire, and for the protection of property, he shall have concurrent powers with the officers of police, and the chief, director, or other officer in charge, but shall not exercise any authority which will conflict with the powers of any chief, director, or other officer in command of any fire department in the discharge of his special duties as such.
Code 1919, § 3139; 1970, c. 187; 2008, c. 410.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 3 - Local Fire Marshals › § 27-34.1. Power of fire marshal or fire chief to take property found at scene of fire or explosion; restitution of such property

The fire chief, fire marshal or his designated representative is authorized to take and preserve any property found at the scene of a fire or explosion during his presence there while in the act of extinguishing such or found later with the consent of the owner or pursuant to § 27-32.1, which property indicates the fire or explosion was intentionally caused. Any person whose property is so taken and held may petition the circuit court of the county or city in which the property was taken or judge in vacation, for return of the property, and the court may order restitution upon such conditions as are appropriate for preservation of evidence, including the posting of bond.
1970, c. 187; 1979, c. 189.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 27 - Fire Protection › Chapter 3 - Local Fire Marshals › § 27-34.2. Power to arrest, to procure and serve warrants and to issue summons; limitation on authority

In addition to such other duties as may be prescribed by law, the local fire marshal and his assistants appointed pursuant to § 27-36 shall, if authorized by the governing body of the county, city or town appointing the local fire marshal, have the authority to arrest, to procure and serve warrants of arrest and to issue summons in the manner authorized by general law for violation of fire prevention and fire safety laws and related ordinances. The authority granted in this section shall not be exercised by any local fire marshal or assistant until such person has satisfactorily completed a training course designed specifically for local fire marshals and their assistants, which course shall be approved by the Virginia Fire Services Board.
The Department of Fire Programs in cooperation with the Department of Criminal Justice Services shall have the authority to design, establish and maintain the required courses of instruction through such agencies and institutions as the Departments jointly may deem appropriate and to approve such other courses as such Departments determine appropriate.
The authority granted in this section shall not be construed to authorize a fire marshal or his assistants to wear or carry firearms.
1974, c. 334; 1975, c. 173; 1979, c. 402; 1984, c. 779; 1986, c. 60; 1988, c. 65; 1997, c. 436.