The Fire Chief, or any officer in charge of the Fire Department, shall have the authority and power to cause the removal of property whenever it shall become necessary for the preservation of more valuable property, the protection of human life or to prevent the spreading of fire to adjoining property. The Fire Chief may direct the municipal firefighters to remove any building, structure or fence for the purpose of checking the progress of any fire. The Fire Chief shall have the authority to blow up, or cause to be blown up, with explosives any building or structure during the progress of a fire for the purpose of checking the progress of the same. The Chief shall have control of the police and of all other persons present. He or she may appoint persons to assist in the protection of property who shall, on his or her recommendation, be compensated by the City Council for any services rendered.
(2005 Code, § 7-101)