anything they reasonably believe to be necessary for the purpose of: extinguishing or preventing the fire or protecting life or property (if they reasonably believe a fire to have broken out or to be about to break out), rescuing people or protecting them from serious harm if they reasonably believe a road traffic accident to have occurred, discharging any function conferred on the fire and rescue authority in relation to the emergency (if they reasonably believe an emergency of another kind to have occurred), or preventing or limiting damage to property resulting from action taken as mentioned above. In particular, a fire and rescue officer may: enter premises or a place, by force if necessary, without the consent of the owner or occupier of the premises or place, move or break into a vehicle without the consent of its owner, close a highway, stop and regulate traffic, or restrict the access of persons to premises or a place. An "emergency" means an event or situation that causes or is likely to cause: one or more individuals to die, be seriously injured or become seriously ill, or serious harm to the environment (including the life and health of plants and animals). Carrying out of functions A fire and rescue officer who is authorised in writing by the Chief Fire and Rescue Officer for the purposes of Articles 19 and 20 of the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 is an "authorised officer". They may at any reasonable time enter premises for the purpose of obtaining information needed for the carrying out of the Board's functions under Article 5, Article 6 or Article 7. However, an authorised officer may not: enter premises by force; or demand admission to premises occupied as a private dwelling unless 24 hours' notice in writing has first been given to the occupier of the dwelling. If, on the application of an authorised officer, a lay magistrate is satisfied that: it is necessary for the officer to enter premises, and the officer is unable to do so, or is likely to be unable to do so, otherwise than by force, he may issue a warrant authorising the officer to enter the premises by force at any reasonable time. If, on the application of an authorised officer, a lay magistrate is satisfied that: it is necessary for the officer to enter premises without giving notice as required,