The Chief of Police shall, in case of fire, cause three or more police officers or watchmen to report to the place where the fire may be and there, acting under the direction of the Board of Engineers, to attend diligently to the preservation of the public peace, the prevention of thefts, and the loss or destruction of property; and to prevent all persons from interfering in any manner with the Fire Department.
('71 Code, § 20-10)