The duty of extinguishing fires and of protecting life and property within the city is entrusted to the chief of the fire department. He may divide the city into fire districts and make such rules and regulations, subject to the approval of the city council for the government of all officers and members of the department, as he may deem expedient. He may make suitable regulations under which the officers and members of the department shall be required to wear an appropriate uniform or badge, by which, in case of fire and at other times, their authority and position in the fire department may be known. The chief shall have sole and entire command over all officers and members of the department at fires. He shall have full charge at all times of all apparatus and appurtenances belonging to the department, and he shall adopt such measures as he shall deem expedient for the extinguishment of fire, protection of property or preservation of order and observation of the laws of the state, duties required of him by law and the ordinances of the city council. It shall be the duty of the chief of the department to examine the condition of all houses, and to inspect engines, hose and hook and ladder equipment of the city fire department. (Prior code § 7-4)