The Chief of the Fire Department, or in his absence at a fire, the ranking officer present thereat, shall have full control and command at all fires and of all persons present in the vicinity of such fires; he shall have authority to summon any and all persons present to aid under his direction in the extinguishment of any fire, in removing of personal property from burning buildings or any other building; he shall have the power to cut off gas, to cut off electric wires, etc., in the vicinity of the fire, or to blow up or to cause to be blown up or otherwise dispose of any building or structure for the purpose of checking the progress of any fire. He shall have authority to suppress all tumult or disorder at a fire and to require any person to leave the vicinity of the fire. (1953 Code § 32-6)