§ 261-16. Powers and duties of the Board of Fire Wardens

The Chief Engineer, first and second assistant engineers shall constitute a Board of Fire Wardens. The Board of Fire Wardens or any of them who may be present at a fire, shall have power at such fire to suppress all tumults and riots by force if necessary, to direct the labor of all persons present during the continuance of such fire and remove goods and effects endangered by such fire and protect the same from waste and depredation, to pull down, remove, or destroy any house, store, or other building when they, or any of them present at such fire shall deem it necessary for the better preservation of any property. Said Board of Fire Wardens may inspect the manner of manufacturing and keeping gunpowder, lime, ashes, matches, lights, fireworks, or combustibles, and the construction and repairs of fireplaces, stoves, flues, and chimneys in said corporation. And said Board of Fire Wardens may by vote of a majority thereof direct all persons manufacturing or keeping gunpowder, lime, ashes, matches, lights, fireworks, or combustibles, kerosene oil, petroleum, naphtha, oils, or burning fluid, in what manner and quantities to manufacture and keep the same, and owners or occupiers of buildings with such fireplaces, stoves, flues, or chimneys, how to repair the same, and every person refusing or neglecting to obey such order, shall forfeit and pay to use of said corporation a fine not exceeding $25.00 for each period of 20 days after notice of such order, that such persons shall neglect or refuse to obey the same. The Board of Fire Wardens shall have full power to regulate their own proceedings and to form new hose or hook and ladder companies, and to organize and govern the Fire Department, and subject to the approval of the trustees to purchase necessary fire apparatus and to have the general care and custody of the property pertaining to the Fire Department. (Added 1892, No. 114, § 16.)