[Adopted as Title 2, Ch. 3, of the 1977 Code;[1] amended in its entirety 11-8-2021 by Ord. No. 1721]
[1]
Editor's Note: This article was adopted 11-24-1953 by Ord.
No. 287 and amended 10-9-1973 by Ord. No. 781 and 3-6-1995 by Ord.
No. 1333.
A.
The Fire Chief shall be the chief fire officer of the Township and
shall have the power and responsibility of carrying out the provisions
of this chapter. The Fire Chief shall also fulfill all duties and
responsibilities of the Fire Marshal outlined below.
B.
The Fire Chief shall be answerable to the Board of Commissioners
and the Township Manager for the efficient and effective operation
of the Department. The Fire Chief will develop and enforce standard
operating guidelines based on recognized practices and procedures.
C.
The Fire Chief will respond to and assume command of large-scale
or complex emergencies when such action is necessary to protect life
and property. The Fire Chief or other officer in charge of the scene
shall have authority to close streets, initiate evacuations and exclude
the public from the immediate vicinity of the emergency or place of
danger.
The Fire Marshal shall have the power and responsibility of
enforcing all laws, ordinances and regulations with respect to:
A.
The prevention of fires.
B.
The storage and use of explosives, flammables and hazardous materials.
C.
The installation and maintenance of automatic and other fire alarm
systems and fire-extinguishing equipment.
D.
The maintenance and regulation of fire escapes and the means and
adequacy of exits, in case of fire, from factories, schools, apartments,
hotels, lodging houses, mental and other hospitals, churches, halls,
theaters and all other places in which numbers of persons work, live
or congregate from time to time for any purpose.
E.
The investigation of the cause, origin and circumstances of fires
and explosions.
Where the words "Fire Marshal" are used in this article, they
shall be taken to mean as well "Assistant Fire Marshal" where one
has been appointed by the Board of Commissioners.
The Fire Marshal may, at all reasonable hours, enter any building
or premises within his jurisdiction for the purpose of making any
inspection or investigation which he may deem necessary in the performance
of his duties.
The Fire Marshal shall inspect, as often as necessary, all especially
hazardous manufacturing processes, storage or installation of gases,
chemicals, oils, explosive and flammable materials, all interior fire
alarms and automatic suppression systems and other similar appliances
and shall issue such orders as may be necessary for the enforcement
of the laws and ordinances governing the same and for the safeguarding
of life and property from fire.
A.
The current National Fire Protection Association Codes and Standards
shall be considered the standard for the installation, use, storage
and transportation of liquefied gases, fuel oils and gas appliances.
B.
The Pennsylvania state laws governing flammable liquids and the current
edition of the National Fire Protection Association Standard 30 are
to be considered part of this article.
C.
All buildings shall be subject to regulations for protection from
fire and panic and for public safety, as provided for by the laws
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the ordinances of the Township
of Upper Moreland, which shall have the same effect as if stated in
this article.
The Department of Emergency Services shall be responsible for
the emergency management function required by Public Law 1331, Pennsylvania
Emergency Management Act.[1] The Director shall serve as the coordinator and be responsible
for the following:
A.
Develop an emergency management staff using existing governmental
services, public agencies and volunteers.
B.
Prepare and maintain an emergency management plan, standard operating
procedures and a resource list to address potential major emergencies.
C.
Provide direction and coordination for the planning, organization
and operation of the emergency management program.
D.
Provide for the unmet needs of the Township's departments and service
units and coordinate the activities of all on-scene response agencies.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 35 Pa.C.S.A. § 7101 et seq., the Emergency
Management Services Act.
