§ 11-113. Same; tampering with fire safety equipment.

(a)

It shall be unlawful to deliberately operate, actuate or use any fire suppression system required to be installed by this Subtitle for purposes other than emergencies, maintenance or prescribed testing.

(b)

It shall be unlawful to tamper with, or willfully and maliciously render inoperative, any fire warning system installed pursuant to the requirements of this Subtitle.

(c)

It shall be unlawful to willfully and maliciously activate any installed fire warning system for purposes other than emergencies, maintenance, or prescribed testing without proper notification to Public Safety Communications.

(d)

It shall be unlawful to use, tamper with or willfully and maliciously render inoperative, any portable fire extinguisher other than during emergencies, maintenance, or testing.

(e)

No person shall willfully and maliciously molest, tamper with, damage, or otherwise disturb any apparatus, equipment, or appurtenance belonging to, or under the supervision and/or control of, the Fire/EMS Department without authority from the fire official in charge or authorized representative.

(f)

No person shall willfully and maliciously remove, tamper with, or otherwise disturb any fire hydrant or fire equipment, required to be installed or maintained under the provisions of this Subtitle except for the purpose of extinguishing fire, training, recharging, testing, or making necessary repairs. Whenever fire equipment is removed as herein permitted, it shall be replaced or reinstalled as soon as the purpose for which it was removed has been accomplished.

(g)

No person, other than fire officials in the performance of official duties, shall use or operate any fire hydrant without the permission of the owner of such hydrant.

(CB-107-1979; CB-80-2006)