Whilst the three acts are almost identical in effect, they word the powers differently and vary in relation to the issuance of warrants.
[1] They may do anything they reasonably believe to be necessary for the purpose of:[1] An "emergency" means an event or situation that causes or is likely to cause:[2] They may also:[1] A person who without reasonable excuse obstructs or hinders a person employed by a fire and rescue authority while responding to "emergency circumstances" commits an offence.
[5] An authorised officer may also apply to a justice of the peace if he considers it necessary to enter a dwelling without giving notice as required.
[5] If an authorised officer exercises a power of entry for the purposes of obtaining information needed for the discharge of a fire and rescue authority’s functions under section 7, 8 or 9, he may take with him any other persons, and any equipment, that he considers necessary, and require any person present on the premises to provide him with any facilities, information, documents or records, or other assistance, that he may reasonably request.
[6] If an authorised officer exercises a power of entry for the purpose of investigating what caused a fire or why it progressed as it did, he may:[6] If an authorised officer takes samples of an article or substance found on the premises he must leave a notice at the premises (either with a responsible person or if that is impracticable fixed in a prominent position) giving particulars of the article or substance and stating that he has taken a sample of it, and if it is practicable to do so, give to a responsible person at the premises a portion of the sample marked in a manner sufficient to identify it.
[6] If an authorised officer takes possession of an article or substance found on the premises, he must leave a notice at the premises (either with a responsible person or if that is impracticable fixed in a prominent position) giving particulars of the article or substance and stating that he has taken possession of it.
[6] A person commits an offence if without reasonable excuse:[6] The maximum punishment is a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.
Any persons suspected of committing an offence are ordinarily placed under caution and invited for an interview under PACE conditions.
[16] If an authorised officer exercises the power to take samples, he shall:[16] If an authorised officer exercises the power to take possession of an article or substance, he shall leave a notice at the premises with a responsible person (or, if that is impracticable, fix the notice in a prominent position at the premises) giving particulars of the article or substance and stating that he has taken possession of it.