Sec. 5-300. - Functions of department generally.

The fire department shall have the power and its duty shall be to perform the following functions:

(a)

Extinguishing fires. The department shall extinguish fires within any place within the limits of the city and upon the request of appropriate authorities and with the authorization of the administrative assistant, outside the limits of the city.

(b)

Fire hazards and safety. The department shall administer and enforce statutes, ordinances and regulations relating to fire and explosion hazards including those dealing with the manufacture, storage, sale, transportation or use of any substance or article which is, or may be, combustible, inflammable or explosive, the installation of any containers for such substances or articles, the installation and use of any equipment which presents a hazard of fire or explosion, and fire escapes, emergency exits, occupancies, fire alarm systems and fire extinguishing equipment in any vessel, vehicle, premises, grounds, structure, building or underground passage.

(c)

Fire prevention programs. The department shall institute and conduct programs of public education in fire prevention and safety.

(d)

Maintenance, etc., of firefighters. The department shall train, equip, maintain, supervise and discipline an adequate number of firefighters.

(e)

Civil defense. The department shall maintain a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan which will encompass civil defense plans and programs in accordance with the policies and plans set by appropriate federal and state agencies; [and,] subject to the order of the mayor, assign and make available for duty the employees, property or equipment of the city relating to firefighting, engineering, rescue, health, medical and related service, police, transportation, construction and similar items, for civil defense purposes and within or without the limits of the city.

Subject to the order of the mayor and in the event of enemy attack, [the city may] waive procedures and formalities required by law pertaining to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, the incurring of obligations, the employment of permanent and temporary workers, the utilization of volunteer workers, the rental of equipment, the purchase and distribution with or without compensation of supplies, materials, and facilities and the appropriation and expenditure of funds.

Sec. 5-301. - Powers of firefighters.

Wilmington firefighters shall have all the powers conferred by statute and ordinance upon constables, sheriffs and state police of the State of Delaware. They shall have power to make lawful searches, seizures and arrests for violation of any statutes or ordinances in force in the city and all city parks, to serve subpoenas when ordered to do so by their superior officers, and to do such other acts as may be required of them by statute or ordinance.

Sec. 5-302. - Preparation, etc., of fire code.

The department shall maintain and enforce the fire code. From time to time the department, with the aid of the law department, shall submit to the council for its consideration revisions to the fire code.