(a) The state fire marshal or any of his appointed staff are granted the authority and power which sheriffs have to make arrests of any persons violating or charged with violating any of the criminal statutes of this state relating to arson. The state fire marshal or any of his appointed staff shall immediately deliver the arrested person or persons to the custody of the sheriff of the county in which the offense was committed. The duty of the sheriff as to the person delivered to him by any person making an arrest under this chapter shall be the same as if the sheriff had made the original arrest.

(b) Subject to the approval of the Commissioner, the state fire marshal or any of his deputies, assistants, or inspectors are authorized to carry weapons in order to enforce this chapter.