Inquiry into origin of fire and report

In the case of any fire occurring within any area in which this Act is in force, the senior most officer in the rank among the members in that area or where the members are sent beyond the limits of any area in which this Act is in force to extinguish fire in the neighbourhood of such limits, the senior most officer in the rank among the members so sent, shall ascertain the facts as to the origin and cause of such fire and shall make a report thereon to the Magistrate or the Tahasildar having jurisdiction in the place in which such fire occurred; and the said Magistrate or the Tahasildar, as the case may be, in any case where he may deem fit, summon witnesses and take evidence in order to further ascertain such facts.