CODE OF VIRGINIA

DUTIES IN CASE OF FIRE (§ 45.1-161.266)

A. Should a fire occur, the person discovering it and any person in the vicinity
of the fire shall make a prompt effort to extinguish it. When a fire that may
endanger persons at the mine cannot be extinguished immediately, all persons
shall be withdrawn promptly from the area of the fire.

B. In case of any unplanned fire at or about a mine not extinguished within
thirty minutes of discovery, the operator or agent shall report by the quickest
available means to the Chief, giving all information known to him regarding the
fire. The Chief shall take prompt action, based on the information, to go in
person or dispatch qualified subordinates to the scene of the fire for
consultation, and assist in the extinguishing of the fire and the protection of
exposed persons. In the event of a difference of opinion as to measures
required, the decision of the Chief or his designated subordinate shall be
final, but must be given to the operator in writing to have the force of an
order.

HISTORY: Code 1950, § 45-14.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-89; 1974, c.
323; 1978, c. 118; 1984, c. 590; 1985, c. 500; 1994, c. 28; 1999, c. 256.