Inquiry into origin of fire and report to District Magistrate.

Where any fire has occurred within any area in which this Act is in force, the Senior most Officer in rank among the members of the force in that area shall ascertain the facts as to the origin and cause of such fire and shall make a report thereon to the 1[District Magistrate] having jurisdiction in the place in which such fire occurs; and the said 1[District Magistrate] shall, in any case where he may, deem fit summon witnesses and take evidence in order to further ascertain such facts.