The powers of the fire service in the United Kingdom are extensive, but vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. These powers generally only apply to members of public fire and rescue services. Powers are granted to firefighters in England & Wales by virtue of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, in Scotland by virtue of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and in Northern Ireland by virtue of the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006. Whilst the three acts are almost identical in effect, they word the powers differently and vary in relation to the issuance of warrants. England & Wales In emergencies A fire and rescue authority may authorise in writing an employee for the purposes of section 44 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 (separate from authorisation under section 45 below, which is only granted to some firefighters). They may do 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. 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). They may also: 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. 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. The maximum punishment is a fine not exceeding level five on the standard scale. "Emergency circumstances" are those that are present or imminent and: are causing or are likely to cause: serious injury