The purpose of this Article shall be the creation of a State Volunteer Fire Department to provide protection for property lying outside the boundaries of municipalities, and to render assistance anywhere within the State of North Carolina, in municipalities or counties, in emergencies caused by fire, floods, tornadoes, or otherwise, in the manner and subject to the conditions provided in this Article. As used in this Article and elsewhere in the General Statutes, “State Fire Marshal” means the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of North Carolina. (1939, c. 364, s. 1; 1985, c. 666, s. 66.)