Responds to fire alarms, selects the route to be taken to the fire, assigns personnel and equipment, and orders placement of the truck in proper position for efficient operation; makes decisions as to the best methods and equipment to use in extinguishing the fire and saving lives unless relieved of command by the Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief or Fire Battalion Chief; supervises and assists in the laying of hose lines, the direction of streams of water, pressure of streams, placement of ladders, ventilation of buildings, and rescue of persons; administers first aid; supervises and conducts salvage and clean-up operations; sees that equipment is returned to its proper place and serviced after the fire has been extinguished; takes charge of the fire station and supervises the maintenance of quarters and equipment during assigned shift; supervises the cleaning of quarters, equipment and apparatus and inspects them to see that they are in good condition; inspects personnel and maintains discipline; conducts classes and fire drills; transmits orders and information to crew members; maintains records; occasionally relieves a Fire Battalion Chief. When so assigned, supervises assigns and directs the work of the Fire Prevention Bureau; makes inspections of storage for explosives and flammable liquids, automatic fire alarm systems, automatic sprinkler systems, factories, schools and other buildings where people gather; writes reports of inspects and recommends preventative action to be taken; enforces State and City fire laws and ordinances, and reports violations; investigates origin and causes of fires; speaks before school and civic groups; distributes information in the form of bulletins and pamphlets on fire prevention; holds staff meetings with Fire Engineers and Firefighters to outline special hazards and problems which may be encountered in fighting fires; maintains records of inspections, investigations and related activities and performs administrative assignments when so directed.