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The Local Amendments, effective August 1, 2023, supersede the 2015 Local Amendments.

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Arson Unit & Authority to Investigate

Section 104.11 of the 2021 International Fire Code, as adopted by the City of Corpus Christi, gives the fire code official the authority to investigate the cause, origin and circumstances of any fire, explosion or other hazardous condition. In the Corpus Christi Fire Department, this authority has been delegated to the Fire Marshal and through him to the Arson Investigation Section. The Arson Investigation Section is responsible for determining the cause of all major and/or criminal fires within the City of Corpus Christi. In those instances where the fire has been intentionally set, the Arson Investigation Section conducts a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire. Arson Investigators are fully licensed Texas Peace Officers and have the same authority and powers as a Police Officer in the City of Corpus Christi. They are responsible for arresting arson suspects and assembling all necessary information for prosecution by the Nueces County District Attorney’s Office. Arson Investigators also file other criminal charges that may be discovered during their investigations. Arson Investigators have filed such wide-ranging charges as kidnapping and robbery in conjunction with the investigation of arson cases. Arson Investigators work closely with the Corpus Christi Police Department and the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office.