27-32.2 - Issuance of fire investigation warrant. - Virginia Statutes

§ 27-32.2. Issuance of fire investigation warrant.

If, in undertaking such an investigation, the fire marshal makes an affidavitunder 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 beenrefused admittance thereto, or is unable to gain permission to enter suchland, building, or vessel, or to examine such object, within fifteen daysafter the extinguishing of such, any magistrate serving the city or countywhere the land, building, vessel, or object is located may issue a fireinvestigation warrant to the fire marshal authorizing him to enter such land,building, vessel, or the premises upon which the object is located for thepurpose of determining the origin and source of such fire or explosion. Ifthe fire marshal, after gaining access to any land, building, vessel, orother premises pursuant to such a fire investigation warrant, has probablecause to believe that the burning or explosion was caused by any actconstituting a criminal offense, he shall discontinue the investigation untila search warrant has been obtained pursuant to § 27-32.1, or consent toconduct the search has otherwise been given.

(1987, c. 701; 2008, cc. 551, 691.)