35-9-116. Removal of combustible material; remedy of flammable conditions.
If the state fire marshal, county fire warden or the chief of a fire department or district finds combustible materials or flammable conditions or fire hazards in a building or on premises subject to an inspection and the materials or conditions are dangerous to the safety of the buildings, premises or public, the officer shall order the materials to be removed or conditions remedied. The order shall be in writing and shall be served upon the owner, lessee, agent or occupant. A person who is served and fails to comply within twenty-four (24) hours after service, unless the order prescribes a longer time, is guilty of a misdemeanor. The material may be removed or the condition corrected at the expense of any person served. The state fire marshal, county fire warden or the chief of a fire department or district may maintain actions for the recovery of the expenses. In the event of a hazard of immediate life threatening severity, the state fire marshal, county fire warden or the chief of a fire department or district may order evacuation of a building or area and may implement emergency measures to protect life and property and to remove the hazard.