Section 51-1-30.1 - Exemption from tort liability of drivers and operators of fire apparatus in certain municipalities(a) As used in this Code section, the term "fire apparatus" means salvage and first-aid cars, chiefs' cars, hose wagons, pumpers, aerial trucks, water towers, service trucks, supply trucks, or other publicly owned and operated automotive equipment used in fire fighting.(b) A driver or operator of fire apparatus publicly owned and operated by any member of a fire department in municipalities having a population of more than 300,000 according to the United States decennial census of 1940 or any future such census shall be exempted from any tort liability by reason of injuries sustained to the person or property of anyone where such damage or injury is caused by the driving of such apparatus in responding to a fire alarm or while returning to a fire station under emergency orders of a chief or assistant chief to put equipment back into service for another call.(c) Nothing in this Code section shall affect in any manner the liability of such municipalities owning such fire apparatus for the torts of its employees under the general laws of this state.