§ 591-321 — Unlawful interference with fire protection equipment, barriers, devices, signs and seals

Sec. 591-321. - Unlawful interference with fire protection equipment, barriers, devices, signs and seals.

It shall be unlawful for a person to do or permit to be done any of the following acts: (1) Key box access and fire equipment keys. To make or cause or permit to be made or have in his or her possession any key for any key box emergency access system, fire department equipment, house or building used by the fire department, except upon the written order of the fire chief, or to fail or refuse to surrender possession of any such key upon demand of the fire chief; (2) Tampering with fire protection system. To tamper, molest, destroy or remove or in any manner interfere with, damage or disturb any part of the fire protection system, apparatus, equipment or devices in use in the county; (3) Injuring fire hose. To drive any motor vehicle or railroad locomotive over any fire hose laid in any street in the vicinity of any fire or while in use for any other purpose, or in any other way interfere with the use of such hose; or, (4) Opening fire hydrants. To use or operate any public or private hydrants or valves connected to a water system intended for fire suppression purposes without written permission from the water utility or the servicing fire department. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, employees of the water utility who are authorized, members of the servicing fire department, owners of private fire hydrants, and members of a duly recognized facility fire brigade may operate hydrants and valves as part of their assigned duties.

(G.O. 43, 2002, § 2)