102.1 Definition.

As used in this chapter, "fire department" means the fire department of a city, township, or benefited fire district.

102.2 Authority at fires.

A fire chief or other authorized officer of a fire department, in charge of a fire scene which involves the protection of life or property, may direct an operation as necessary to extinguish or control a fire, perform a rescue operation, investigate the existence of a suspected or reported fire, gas leak, or other hazardous condition, or take any other action as deemed necessary in the reasonable performance of the department's duties. In exercising this power, a fire chief may prohibit an individual, vehicle, or vessel from approaching a fire scene and may remove from the scene any object, vehicle, vessel, or individual that may impede or interfere with the operations of the fire department.

102.3 Authority to barricade.

The fire chief or other authorized officer of the fire department in charge of a fire scene may place or erect ropes, guards, barricades, or other obstructions across a street, alley, right-of-way, or private property near the location of the fire or emergency so as to prevent accidents or interference with the fire fighting efforts of the fire department, to control the scene until any required investigation is complete, or to preserve evidence related to the fire or other emergency.

102.4 Traffic control.

Notwithstanding a contrary provision of this chapter, if a peace officer is on the scene, the peace officer is in charge of traffic control and a peace officer shall not be prohibited from performing the duties of a peace officer at the fire scene.

102.5 Penalty.

A person who disobeys an order of a fire chief, other officer of a fire department, or peace officer assisting the fire department which is issued pursuant to section 102.2 or 102.3, is guilty of a simple misdemeanor.