2860

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 396

supposed to be cognizant of any facts, or to have the means
of knowledge in relation to the matter herein required to be
examined and inquired into, and to cause the testimony to be
reduced to writing; and when, in his judgment, the
examination discloses that the fire or explosion or attempt
to cause a fire or explosion was of incendiary origin, the
State Fire Marshal may arrest the supposed incendiary or
cause him to be arrested and charged with the crime; and
shall transmit a copy of the testimony so taken to the
State's attorney for the county or city wherein the fire or
explosion or attempt to cause a fire or explosion occurred.

(2) If, upon investigation, the State Fire
Marshal has probable cause to believe that a person has
committed or has attempted to commit a crime involving a
fire, fire bombing, or false alarm, or involving the
possession or manufacture of explosive devices or
substances, fireworks, or fire bombs, the State Fire Marshal
may arrest that person or cause him to be arrested and
charged with the crime, in accordance with the appropriate
procedures provided by law.

(h) The State Fire Marshal shall have power to
subpoena witnesses, and to compel their attendance before
him to testify in relation to any matter which is, by the
provision of this article, a subject of inquiry and
investigation by the State Fire Marshal, and shall also have
power to cause to be produced before him such papers as he
may require in making such examination. The State Fire
Marshal is hereby authorized to administer oaths and
affirmations to persons appearing as witnesses before him;
and false swearing in any matter or proceeding aforesaid
shall be deemed perjury and shall be punishable as such.

(i) The State Fire Marshal may deputize a member of
any fire department, duly organized and operating in this
State, who is approved by the chief of his department and
who is properly qualified through a training course [of not
less than three days] AS REQUIRED BY THE STATE FIRE
PREVENTION COMMISSION and who has successfully passed an
examination upon the same, or other suitable persons, to act
as his deputies for the purpose of making such inspections
and investigations and carrying out such orders as may be
prescribed by him, to enforce and make effective the
provisions of this article, and of any and all regulations
promulgated by the State Fire Prevention Commission, under
authority thereof.

(j) The State Fire Marshal shall, at the request of
the county commissioners of any county, or the municipal
authorities of any incorporated city or town in this State,
make to them a written report of the examination made by him
regarding any fire happening within their respective
jurisdictions.