KRS 75.180: Duties and powers of chief and members -- Reimbursement of private

owners for water used.

(1) The chief, assistant chief, or highest officer present at the fires answered by his

department shall investigate their causes. He may examine witnesses, compe l the

testimony of witnesses, administer oaths, compel production of evidence and make

arrests as provided in KRS 75.160. He may enter any building at all reasonable

times for the purpose of examining the building if, in his opinion the building is in

danger of fire. He shall report his findings, when requested, to the board, Kentucky

Inspection Bureau, and state fire marshal.

(2) The chief of the fire department shall direct and control the operation of the fire

department and the control of the members in the discharge of their duties. He, and

members of the fire department, shall have access to and the use of all cisterns,

fireplugs, the waters of the waterworks of private persons and cisterns of private

persons for the purpose of extinguishing fires and shall have the power to examine

these water supplies at all reasonable times to see that they are in condition for use

in case of fire. The chief shall have control of all hose, buildings, engines and other

equipment provided for the fire department under direction of the board, or those

authorized by the board to exercise this direction, and shall perform such other

duties prescribed by the board not inconsistent with law. Upon application within

ten (10) days to the board, any owner of property where wate r is used for

firefighting shall be reimbursed in a reasonable amount by the board for water used.