A. The department shall be equipped with such apparatus and other equipment as may be required from time to time to maintain its efficiency and properly protect life and property from fire. Recommendations of apparatus and equipment needed shall be made by the chief, and after approval by the city manager, shall be purchased in such manner as may be designated by the city manager. All equipment of the department shall be safely and conveniently housed in such places as may be designated by the city manager. Such places shall be heated during the winter season if any equipment is subject to damage by freezing. Suitable arrangements or equipment shall be provided for citizens to turn in an alarm, and for notifying all members of the department so that they may promptly respond.
B. No person shall use any fire apparatus or equipment for any private purpose, nor shall any person wilfully and without proper authority take away or conceal any article used in any way by the department. No person shall enter any place where fire apparatus is housed or handle any apparatus or equipment belonging to the department unless accompanied by, or having the special permission of, an officer or authorized member of the department. No apparatus shall be hired out or permitted to leave the city limits except in response to a call for aid at a fire in a neighboring community or within a radius of eight (8) miles of the city without the consent of the city manager. The officer in charge of the department shall have power to assign equipment for response to calls for outside aid in accordance with this chapter and in other cases only when the absence of such equipment will not jeopardize protection in the city limits. (2000 Code § 13-204)