The Fire Chief shall have absolute control of the Department at all times, shall call meetings of the members and shall direct or cause to be directed all improvements of the several companies and shall see to it that they keep the apparatus and machinery under their care in proper order and ready at all times for active duty, and he shall supervise and direct said Department in fighting fires, or prevention of fires, and do all things required to be done to safeguard the City against loss by fire. (1-706; 1947 Code)