Rhode Island General Laws Title 23. Health and Safety § 23-28.5-6. Appeal to district court

(a) Any person, firm, or corporation aggrieved by the decision or order of any fire official may appeal therefrom to the district court, by filing within thirty (30) days of the order or decision, a sworn petition in the court, which shall set forth the grounds upon which the appeal is taken. Notice of the appeal shall be served on the fire official who rendered the decision or order by a citation issued out of the court following the general course of civil proceedings.

(b) The petition shall be in order for assignment for hearing on the motion day which occurs next after fifteen (15) days from the filing of the petition.

(c) The district court shall proceed to hear de novo all questions of law and fact therein involved as may be presented by any party in interest, and determine the questions involved, and decide the merits of the controversy.