The chief of the fire department shall be appointed by the city manager. It shall be the duty of the fire chief to:
A. Be accountable to the council for the personnel, morale and general efficiency of the fire department;
B. Direct the operations of the fire department, subject to the rules and regulations thereof;
C. Be present at all fires, if possible, and plan and direct the extinguishment thereof. During the progress of a fire the authority of the fire chief shall be absolute in all matters directly concerning the extinguishment of fire and the disposition of property endangered by it;
D. Conduct suitable drill or instruction in the operation and handling of equipment, first aid and rescue work, salvage, a study of buildings in the city, water supplies and all other matters generally considered essential to good firemanship and safety of life and property from fire;
E. Assist the proper authorities in suppressing the crime of arson by investigating or causing to be investigated the cause, origin and circumstances of all fires;
F. Inspect buildings and premises and serve written notice upon the owner or occupant to abate, within a specified time, any and all fire hazards that may be found. For the purpose of conducting such inspection, the chief is empowered to enter any and all buildings and premises within the city at any reasonable hour. Any person served with such written notice shall comply and notify the chief of his compliance within a reasonable time;
G. Keep complete records of all fires, inspections, apparatus and equipment personnel and other information about the work of the department open to inspection by the city manager and furnish to the city manager such information upon request;
H. Enforce or cause to be enforced all ordinances, laws and regulations of the city and state, insofar as they pertain to fire and safety.
(Prior code § 5-2-3)