A. The Fire Prevention Bureau shall investigate the origin, cause and circumstances of fires occurring within unincorporated Pierce County and Contract Cities and Towns as required by RCW 43.44.050. The Fire Marshal shall establish protocols and/or policies with respect to fire investigation responsibilities.

Any Fire Protection District that investigates a fire, and finds that the fire involves personal injury or loss of life, or destruction to or damage of property, or is of undetermined origin, or of a suspicious nature, or a recognized arson, shall immediately contact the Fire Prevention Bureau in accordance with established protocols and/or policies. If the Fire Prevention Bureau has reasonable cause to believe that arson or criminal activity is connected with the fire, then the Fire Prevention Bureau will report its findings to the Pierce County Sheriff's Department or appropriate local law enforcement agency. The Pierce County Sheriff's Department or appropriate local law enforcement agency shall take primary responsibility for any suspicious or known arson fire investigation, may take immediate possession and charge of all physical evidence relating to the fire, and shall investigate the fire.

The Fire Protection District and the Fire Prevention Bureau shall assist the Sheriff's Department or appropriate local law enforcement agency throughout the investigation.

B. All investigations declined by the Pierce County Sheriff's Department for insufficient evidence shall be returned to the Fire Prevention Bureau for further investigation as may be required.