To provide for the prevention and extinguishment of fires, Council may equip and govern fire companies, prescribe the powers and duties of such companies and departments and the several officers thereof and may authorize the organization of volunteer fire companies under such rules and regulations as Council may prescribe and impose on those who fail to obey any lawful command of the officer in charge of such fire company or volunteer company any penalty which Council is authorized to impose for violation of an ordinance, and to give authority to the chief fire officer to direct the pulling down or destruction of any building, fence, wall or other thing, if such officer deems it necessary to prevent the spreading of any fire which is being extinguished under the direction of such officer, and without any liability on the municipality for damages therefor, and to regulate the flow of traffic going to the scene of or returning from any fire.