Magistrate to hold inquiry

Where any fire occurs causing injury or damage to any person or property, or in respect of which there is reasonable ground to suspect that a crime has been committed, or where any occurrence takes place resulting in serious injury or damage to any person or property, the magistrate of the judicial district in which the fire or occurrence has taken place shall, if he considers it expedient, or is required by the Minister to do so, hold an inquiry into the origin or cause of the fire or occurrence and the circumstances connected therewith.