All apparatus and appliances for the extinguishment of fire shall be under the direct and immediate control of the Chief of the Fire Department and of the several fire companies to which such appliances have been delivered. No person shall, under any pretense whatsoever, remove any of such appliances from the place where it is kept by its respective company, except the members of such company, without the order of one of the properly authorized officers of such company, the Chief of the department, or someone authorized to act in his or her stead. It shall be the duty of the fire companies to keep all apparatus and hose in a serviceable and clean condition and in such a state as to be of immediate use in case of fire.
('72 Code, § 3-115)