When a fire is in progress, the fire chief, or in his absence, the officer in charge, may order any telegraph, telephone, electric light wire or poles, in close proximity thereto, to be torn down or otherwise disposed of, and he may likewise order any building or buildings, in close proximity thereto, to be torn down or otherwise disposed of for the purpose of checking the conflagration; but neither the fire chief, or any other officer or member of the fire department, shall unnecessarily or recklessly destroy or injure any building or other property. (1984 Code § 8.12.040; amd. 2015 Code)