§ 22 — Board of Fire Wardens

The Board of Fire Wardens, or any one 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, to remove goods and effects endangered by such fire and protect the same from waste and depredation, and 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 gun powder, lime, ashes, matches, lights, fire works, or combustibles, and the construction and repairs of fireplaces, stoves, flues, and chimneys in said City. Said Board of Fire Wardens may, by vote of a majority thereof, direct all persons manufacturing or keeping such gunpowder, lime, ashes, matches, lights, fireworks, combustibles, kerosene oil, petroleum, naptha, gasoline, oils, or burning fluid, in what manner and quantities to manufacture and keep the same, and the owners or occupants of buildings with such fire places, stoves, flues, or chimneys, how to repair the same. Every person refusing or neglecting to obey such order shall forfeit and pay to the use of said City a fine not exceeding $25.00 for each period of 20 days after notice of such order that such person shall neglect or refuse to obey the same. Such order shall not be inconsistent with any ordinance or bylaw of the City. The Board of Fire Wardens shall have full power to regulate their own proceedings and to form new hose or hook and ladder companies, subject to the approval of the City Council, and to organize and govern the Fire Department, and, subject to the approval of the City Council, to purchase necessary fire apparatus and have the general care and custody of the property pertaining to the Fire Department.