Chapter 2.20
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Sections:
2.20.010 Fire Department Established.
2.20.020 Volunteer Fire Department.
2.20.030 Discharge of Volunteers.
2.20.050 Duties of the Fire Chief.
2.20.060 Liability for Damage.
2.20.070 Emergency Response and Right-of-Way.
* For statutory provisions on the Fire Department, see Government Code § 38611.
2.20.010 Fire Department Established.
The Carmel-by-the-Sea Fire Department is established, to consist of:
A. A full-time Chief and such other full-time employees as may be authorized by the City Council by resolution.
B. A volunteer department, which shall be known as the Carmel-by-the-Sea Volunteer Fire Department, consisting of not less than 10 members. (Ord. 169 C.S. § 1, 1968; Code 1975 § 700).
2.20.020 Volunteer Fire Department.
The Volunteer Fire Department shall adopt and operate under a set of bylaws. Such bylaws, and any amendments thereto, shall be subject to approval by the City Council and shall not take effect until such approval is accomplished. (Ord. 169 C.S. § 1, 1968; Code 1975 § 701).
2.20.030 Discharge of Volunteers.
The City Council reserves the right and the authority to discharge, without notice or right of appeal, any volunteer member of the department. (Ord. 169 C.S. § 1, 1968; Code 1975 § 701.1).
2.20.040 Fire Chief.
The head of the Fire Department shall be the Fire Chief, who shall be appointed by and hold office at the pleasure of the City Council. (Ord. 169 C.S. § 1, 1968; Code 1975 § 702).
2.20.050 Duties of the Fire Chief.
The Fire Chief, or in the absence of the Chief the senior officer present, shall have the power and it shall be the Chief’s duty to:
A. Take command at all fires occurring within the City;
B. Establish any required fire lines or cordons about any fire, including the closing of any public right-of-way;
C. Enter, or cause members of the department to enter, any or all premises, public or private, in the City and contiguous to any fire, for the purpose of fire suppression and fire prevention;
D. When necessary in suppressing a fire or required for public safety, to cut or cause to be cut any wires or to shut off any utility service;
E. Inquire into the cause of all fires within the City, keep a record thereof, and submit monthly and annual reports of same to the City Council;
F. Order the Fire Department to respond to a mutual aid fire call outside of the City when, in the Chief’s opinion, such response will not endanger persons or property within the City. (Ord. 169 C.S. § 1, 1968; Code 1975 § 702.1).
2.20.060 Liability for Damage.
No member of the Fire Department, when engaged in the suppression of a fire, shall be responsible or liable for any damage to any property by water, chemical, or other means, incurred during the suppression or extinguishing of any fire, where such member of the department acted in good faith and the reasonable belief that the actions were necessary in the carrying out of assigned duties. (Ord. 169 C.S. § 1, 1968; Code 1975 § 703).
2.20.070 Emergency Response and Right-of-Way.
Any and all Fire Department vehicles responding to, but not returning from, a fire alarm emergency call, rescue operation or operating from one place to another as rendered desirable or necessary by reason of an emergency call and operating to the scene of the emergency or operating from one fire station to another shall be entitled to right-of-way on all streets, lanes, alleys and thoroughfares, public or private, as provided for in Section 21055 of the Vehicle Code, State of California. (Ord. 169 C.S. § 1, 1968; Code 1975 § 704).