(a) The Fire Chief shall have active charge, supervision and control of the selection and appointment of members of the Fire Department, and of the management, direction and supervision of the Fire Department and shall be charged with and accountable for all of the fire equipment and property belonging to the Town. In the absence of the Fire Chief, the assistant Fire Chief shall have and exercise all of the powers and duties of the Fire Chief. Each member of the Fire Department, during the time that they are actively engaged in the line of duty at the time of fire and before, after and during the necessary drills and training, shall be peace officers of the Town, with powers, duties and authority to act as such.
(b) The Fire Chief, and in his absence, the assistant Fire Chief, shall have authority to direct the pulling down or destroying of any fence, house, building or other thing, if deemed necessary to prevent the spreading of fire.
(1973 Code §9-17)