Liability of property owner to pay compensation

(1) Damages caused by the fire fighters or rescuers to the nearby properties while performing their lawful duty under section 16 of this Act, shall be identified by the State Government and due process for recovery, as may be prescribed by Rules, shall be initiated against the negligent persons concerned, if any, for whose fault or deliberate action the fire was caused. (2) Whenever it is established that the fire incident was due to willful default or negligence on the part of the owner or occupier of any building or premises, such owner or occupier shall be liable to compensate every person affected by such fire for the loss or injury sustained by them, as may be prescribed by Rules.