Fire Service Act 1979

Where a fire occurs in any premises, the owner of the premises shall remove any debris or flammable material which may be in or on such premises and which constitutes a fire hazard or a danger to life or property.

Where the owner of any premises fails to comply with subsection (1), the Commission may, by notice in writing delivered to the owner, require him, within 12 hours or such longer period as it considers necessary, to remove the debris or flammable material referred to in that subsection and if the owner fails or neglects to comply with the terms of the notice the Commission may – cause the debris or flammable material to be removed; and recover in any court of competent jurisdiction as a debt due to the Commission the expenses actually incurred in removing the debris or flammable material and in employing watchmen, if necessary, to protect the premises until the debris or flammable material is removed.