(a) Whenever the state fire marshal or the state fire marshal’s authorized representative is authorized to conduct a hearing under the provisions of Kan. Stat. Ann. § 31-138, and amendments thereto, the state fire marshal shall have the power to administer oaths, examine and cross-examine witnesses, receive oral and documentary evidence, and shall have the power to subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, and require the production of books, papers, records, correspondence or other documents which are deemed relevant to the inquiry. The state fire marshal at such hearing may, and upon the request of any party shall, cause to be made a stenographic record of all the evidence and all the proceedings had at such hearing. If no stenographic record is made and if a judicial review is sought, the state fire marshal shall prepare a statement of the evidence and proceedings for use on review. In case of a refusal of any person to comply with any subpoena issued hereunder or to testify with respect to any matter concerning which such person may be lawfully interrogated, the district court of Shawnee county or the county wherein such party resides, on application of the state fire marshal, may issue an order requiring such person to comply with such subpoena and to testify. Any failure to obey any such order of the court may be punished by the court as a contempt thereof. Nothing contained in this act shall require the observance at any such hearing of formal rules of pleading or evidence. Notice of such hearings and any other process caused to be issued by the state fire marshal shall be served in substantial compliance with the requirements for service of process in district court.

(b) Whenever any person shall appeal an order or ruling issued pursuant to the provisions of this act, as provided in Kan. Stat. Ann. § 31-140, and amendments thereto, and after a hearing the decision of the state fire marshal is adverse to such person, the costs of the hearing, including witness fees, shall be taxed to such person.