Louisiana § RS 33:1971 - Fire ground authority
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 33:1971 — Fire ground authority, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 33:1971. Fire ground authority
A.(1) When a situation develops which requires the services of and is responded to by the members of a fire department subject to this Subpart as provided in R.S. 33:1961, of a volunteer fire department, or of any other fire department, then the ranking fire protection or fire prevention officer from that jurisdiction dispatched to the scene shall have the sole authority, command, and control of all fire safety personnel and of all persons within the boundaries as described in Subsection B of this Section. However, in the event that the situation is a forest fire, grass fire, or other wildland fire that would come within the jurisdiction of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, office of forestry, then the ranking forestry officer on the scene shall establish a unified command of equal authority with the ranking fire department officer on the scene to abate the incident. This authority, command, and control shall not in any manner restrict the authority of law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties at any scene. This authority, command, and control shall be known as the fire ground authority.
(2) For purposes of this Section, "that jurisdiction" shall mean the fire department jurisdiction in which the situation requiring services is located.
B. The boundaries of such fire ground authority, command, and control shall extend to the perimeters of the zone of danger, which zone shall be determined by the ranking fire protection or fire prevention officer and the chief law enforcement officer at the scene from that jurisdiction.
C. Defiance or violation of this authority, command, and control shall constitute fire fighting interference and shall be punishable in conformance with R.S. 14:206.
Added by Acts 1979, No. 770, §1; Acts 2001, No. 1108, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 33:1971
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 33:1971 cover?
Section RS 33:1971 ("Fire ground authority") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 33:1971?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 33:1971" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 33:1971 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.