For the purposes of any public hearing under this article, the State Fire Commission is empowered and authorized to issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum, to take testimony, and to administer oaths to any witness in any proceeding or examination instituted before it or conducted by it with reference to any matter within its jurisdiction. In all hearings or proceedings before the State Fire Commission, the evidence of witnesses and the production of documentary evidence may be required at any designated place of hearing; and in case of disobedience to a subpoena or other process, the State Fire Commission or any party to the proceedings before the commission may invoke the aid of any circuit court in requiring the evidence and testimony of witnesses and the production of papers, books, and documents. Such court, in case of refusal to obey the subpoena issued to any person subject to the provisions of this chapter, shall issue an order requiring such person to appear before the State Fire Commission and produce all books and papers, if so ordered, and give evidence touching the matter in question.