The city council shall have the power to create, keep and maintain a fire department; purchase or lease equipment; erect and maintain buildings and other structures; acquire land by purchase, lease, donation or condemnation for that purpose; adopt ordinances, resolutions and regulations for the prevention and control of fires and similar hazards; adopt by reference such regulations of any state agency, state or national code as may be deemed necessary; provide for the enforcement thereof; employ such personnel that may be needed and provide for the compensation and regulation of such personnel; contract to provide emergency fire fighting services to other municipalities, townships, or governmental subdivisions; and shall have the power to do any and all things necessary to operate a fire department within the City of Austin.