153:18 Investigations. –
The state fire marshal may, in addition to the reports made by any fire chief, whenever the state fire marshal deems it expedient or advisable, investigate or cause to be investigated, the cause, circumstances, and origin of any fire or building collapse occurring in the state, by which property is endangered, damaged, or destroyed, or any incident involving the release of carbon monoxide other than from a motor vehicle, and may especially examine and decide whether the same was the result of carelessness, design, or deliberate act. The state fire marshal shall have the power vested in a justice of the peace to compel the attendance of witnesses to testify upon an inquiry. Any fire, building collapse, or release of carbon monoxide occurring where death results shall be reported immediately to the office of the state fire marshal by the fire chief, and the office of the state fire marshal shall investigate the fire, building collapse, or release of carbon monoxide within 48 hours after receiving said report. When the cause, origin, and circumstances of any fire occurring in any city, town, village district, or precinct in this state indicate that such fire was the result of design or of suspicious origin, the fire chief or designee shall immediately notify the state fire marshal. The state fire marshal shall have the authority to submit his or her findings of facts in the case to the state police, county attorney, or other local authorities who may assist him or her in the prosecution of the matter.